AD 2004-22-09 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 Series Airplanes

Models named: F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Fokker Model F27 Mark 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection (f) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time high-frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the attachment lugs of the aileron spring tab balance units by doing all the actions in the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003. If no loose paint, corrosion damage, or crack is found during this inspection, no further action is required by this AD. Repair and Rework of Attachment Lugs (g) If no crack is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, but it was necessary to remove loose paint or corrosion to perform the inspection: Prior to further flight, rework the attachment lugs in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003. If corrosion damage has caused any attachment lug to exceed the dimensional limits specified in the service bulletin: Prior to further flight, replace the aileron spring tab balance unit with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003, or repair the lug in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority—The Netherlands (CAA-NL) (or its delegated agent). Replacement (h) If any crack is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Prior to further flight, replace the aileron spring tab balance unit with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003. No Reporting Requirement (i) Although Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003, specifies to submit certain information to Fokker Services B.V., this AD does not include such a requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (k) Dutch airworthiness directive 2003-037, dated March 31, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Fokker Service Bulletin F27/27-137, dated March 19, 2003, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Fokker Services B.V., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, The Netherlands. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 19, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-24221 Filed 11-1-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report indicating that, during heavy turbulence, a pilot needed to apply aileron trim to maintain level flight because cracking of the upper inboard attachment lug of the aileron spring tab balance unit, probably due to corrosion, had caused permanent deflection of the spring tab and consequent aileron damage. We are issuing this AD to prevent diminished control of the airplane in turbulence or total loss of roll control for the affected wing.