AD 2005-13-19 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and 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 all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ 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. Inspections and Repair (f) Within the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, perform an external eddy current inspection of the forward fuselage skin to detect cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated May 18, 2004. (1) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes: Inspect before the accumulation of 16,000 total landings, or within 4,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. (i) For areas where no crack is found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings. (ii) For areas where any crack is found, before further flight, perform repairs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). No further inspection of any repaired area is required by this AD. (2) For Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes: Inspect before the accumulation of 10,000 total landings, or within 2,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later. (i) For areas where no crack is found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings. (ii) For areas where any crack is found, before further flight, perform repairs in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the CAA (or its delegated agent). No further inspection of any repaired area is required by this AD. Inspections Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (g) Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendices 2 and 3, all dated June 27, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in paragraph (f) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (h) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit Appendix 1 of the service bulletin with certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) 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 (j) British airworthiness directive 007-06-2003 also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin ISB.53-167, including Appendix 2, Revision 1, dated May 18, 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. To get copies of the service information, go to British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. To view the AD docket, go to 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 June 14, 2005. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-12511 Filed 6-27-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by evidence of cracking due to fatigue along the edges of the chemi-etched pockets in certain front fuselage canopy skin panels. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct this cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane fuselage.