AD 2005-06-04 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Model 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.

This AD applies to Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any category, having any side stay identified in Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146-32-147, dated May 29, 2001.

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) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection for cracks of the outer links on the MLG side stays, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-156, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2001. Repair cracks before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles, until the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD have been done. Although the service bulletin specifies to report certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require a report. (1) If the number of flight cycles accumulated on the side stay can be positively determined: Inspect before the accumulation of 2,000 total flight cycles on the side stay, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (2) If the number of flight cycles accumulated on the side stay cannot be positively determined: Inspect within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD. 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 mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” Note 2: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-156, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2001, refers to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146-32-147, dated May 29, 2001, as an additional source of service information for the inspection. Optional Terminating Action (g) Relocation of each affected grease nipple to the upper surface of the outer link of the MLG side stays terminates the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD, if the relocation action is done in accordance with paragraph 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-156, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2001. Note 3: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-156, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2001; refers to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.32-162-70657C.D, dated September 26, 2001; Messier-Dowty Repair Scheme 450187952, included in Section 32-10-65 of the Messier-Dowty 201105001 and 201105002 Component Maintenance Manual, and Section 32-10-73 of the Messier-Dowty 201299001 and 201299002 Component Maintenance Manual; and British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.32-144, dated December 11, 1996; as additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the actions associated with the relocation specified in paragraph (g) of this AD. Parts Installation (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane an MLG side stay having a part number identified in paragraph 1.A. of Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 146-32-147, dated May 29, 2001, unless that part has been inspected and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions have been performed in accordance with the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (j) British airworthiness directive 004-05-2001 also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.32-156, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2001, 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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. To review copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the 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 March 14, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-5575 Filed 3-25-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by new crack findings on airplanes not subject to the existing AD, and the determination that the profile gauge's slipping over the outer link profile is not a factor in the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the outer links of the MLG side stays, which could result in failure of a side stay and consequent collapse of the landing gear.