AD 2003-03-10 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

Models named: BAE 146, Avro 146-RJ series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model BAE 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the engine fire detection and suppression systems to operate properly in the event of a fire, which could result in an undetected and uncontrollable fire in an engine, accomplish the following: Replacement (a) Within 31 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the existing “Low Temp” terminal blocks “G” with new, fireproof ceramic terminal blocks “G,” part number S3409-872, in engine zones 412, 422, 432, and 442; per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin SB.71-077-01693A, Revision 2, dated May 28, 2002. (b) Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin SB.71-077-01693A, dated October 10, 2001; or Revision 1, dated March 28, 2002; are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the replacement shall be done per BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin SB.71-077-01693A, Revision 2 dated May 28, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 005-10-2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 22, 2003. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-1955 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P