AD 2005-04-13 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

Models named: SD3-60 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 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. Service Bulletin Reference (f) The following information applies to the service bulletin referenced in this AD: (1) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Alert Service Bulletin SD360-55-A21, dated December 16, 2004. (2) Although the service bulletin specifies to return subject parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Repetitive Inspections (g) For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or “X4': Prior to the accumulation of 250 flight hours since installation of the subject balance weight bracket of the elevator trim tab, or within 30 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, do a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the balance weight brackets for the left and right elevator trim tabs, in accordance with the service bulletin. (1) For a balance weight bracket on which no cracking is found: Do paragraph (i) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished. (2) For a balance weight bracket on which any cracking is found: Before further flight, replace the bracket with a new or reworked balance weight bracket that conforms to the approved design standard in accordance with the service bulletin, and do paragraph (i) of this AD. Optional Terminating Action (h) For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or “X4': Replacement of any subject balance weight bracket with a new or reworked balance weight bracket that conforms to the approved design standard, in accordance with the service bulletin, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the replaced bracket. Refitting (i) For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with X3 or X4: Before further flight following any inspection or replacement of a bracket in accordance with this AD: Refit the balance weights, covers, and trim tabs, in accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain conditions while refitting, obtain further disposition instructions from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). Parts Installation (j) For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane subject to this AD, a balance weight bracket having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or” X4,” unless the bracket is also marked “Rework batch number R-Bxxxxx” (where “xxxxx” is a number). 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 emergency airworthiness directive G-2004-0032, dated December 30, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Short Brothers Alert Service Bulletin SD360-55-A21, dated December 16, 2004, 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 Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; 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 . Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 11, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-3268 Filed 2-24-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports indicating that balance weight brackets have been found cracked on both the left and right elevator trim tabs. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the balance weight bracket for the elevator trim tab, which could cause loss of the balance weight. This could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane.