AD 2005-03-15 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 Series Airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

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

This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes; certificated in any category; on which modification HCM01037A has been incorporated.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-162, dated September 12, 2001. Repetitive Detailed Inspections (g) Prior to the accumulation of 8,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed inspection to detect discrepancies ( i.e. , chafing outside the limits specified in the service bulletin, scoring, or cracking) of the fuselage skin and reinforcing plates along the wing to fuselage fairing access panels on the left- and right-hand sides of the airplane, in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles, until the terminating action specified in paragraph (i) of this AD has been done. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is “an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” Corrective Action (h) If any discrepancy is found during the detailed inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, repair according to a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). Optional Terminating Action and Follow-On Inspections (i) Modify the fuselage skin at the wing-to-fuselage access panels, do the related repetitive investigative action, and do applicable corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.53-162-01698A, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2002. These actions terminate the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Repeat the related repetitive investigative action (which involves inspecting the protective tape and sealant for damage) thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles. No Reporting (j) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit an inspection report, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k) 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 (l) British airworthiness directive 002-09-2001 also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-162, dated September 12, 2001, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.53-162-01698A, Revision 1, dated January 31, 2002, to perform the optional terminating actions specified in this AD. 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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 January 31, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-2576 Filed 2-11-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by a report of chafing on the wing to fuselage fairing panels. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the fuselage skin and reinforcing plates, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane's fuselage.