AD 2004-16-04 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

Models named: SD3 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model SD3 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct corrosion and deterioration of the aft pintle pin bushings of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in the MLG not extending fully during landing, with consequent damage to the airplane structure, accomplish the following: Service Bulletin Reference (a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable: (1) For Model SD3-30 series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD330-32-122, dated April 30, 2003. (2) For Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-32-3, dated April 30, 2003. (3) For Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360 SHERPA-32-2, dated April 30, 2003. (4) For Model SD3-60 series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-36, Revision 1, dated May 26, 2003. Note 1: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-36 references Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-03, dated November 1983, as an additional source of service information for replacement of certain bushings, if necessary. Tests, Inspection, Measurements, and Corrective Action (b) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a friction test for stiffness of the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG, and a detailed inspection for any defect of the bushings of the aft pintle pin of the MLG; and measure the bore diameter of the bushings (if a defect is found, this paragraph requires that the bushing be replaced; therefore, it is not necessary to do the bore diameter measurement on that bushing). Do all applicable corrective actions and other specified actions prior to further flight. Do all actions per the applicable service bulletin. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” No Reporting Requirement (c) Although the service bulletins specify to send certain items to Short Brothers for evaluation ( i.e., results of the friction tests, unserviceable bushings, and photographs of serviceable bushings), this AD does not require that action. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with the Short Brothers service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable. Table 1.—Applicable Service Bulletins Short Brothers service bulletin Revision level Date SD330-32-122 Original April 30, 2003. SD360-32-36 Revision 1 May 26, 2003. SD3 SHERPA-32-3 Original April 30, 2003. SD360 SHERPA-32-2 Original April 30, 2003. Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-36, Revision 1, dated May 26, 2003, contains the following effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 6 1 May 26, 2003. 2-5, 7-13 Original April 30, 2003. 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 Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directives 001-04-2003 (for Model SD3-30 series airplanes), 002-04-2003 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes), 004-04-2003 (for Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes), and 003-04-2003 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes). Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 14, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 27, 2004. Kyle L. Olsen, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-17759 Filed 8-9-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P