AD 2005-23-12 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ Airplanes

Models named: BAe 146-100A, -200A, -300A series, Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, 146-RJ100A. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A 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. Requirements of AD 2000-26-07: Airworthiness Limitations Revision (f) Within 30 days after February 7, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2000-26-07), revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. One acceptable method of revision is by incorporating Section 05-10-01, Revision 65, dated August 3, 1999, of Chapter 5 of the BAe/Avro 146 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), into the ALS. That section references other sections of the AMM. The applicable revision level of the referenced sections is that in effect on the effective date of this AD. (g) Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: After the actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD have been accomplished, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be approved for the structural elements specified in the document listed in paragraph (f) of this AD. New Requirements of This AD Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (j) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25-1529. Later Revision for Airworthiness Limitations (h) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new and more restrictive life limits for certain items and new and more restrictive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in certain structures, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent). Section 05-10-01, dated July 15, 2005, of Chapter 5 of the BAe/Avro 146 Aircraft Maintenance Manual is one approved method. This section references other sections of the AMM. The applicable revision level of the referenced sections is that in effect on the effective date of this AD. Incorporating the new and more restrictive life limits and inspections into the ALS terminates the requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD, and after incorporation has been done, the limitations required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be removed from the ALS. (i) Except as specified in paragraph (j) of this AD: After the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD have been accomplished, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be approved for the structural elements specified in the document listed in paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) AMOCs, approved previously in accordance with AD 2000-26-07, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding requirements of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) None. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 14, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-22970 Filed 11-21-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by issuance of a later revision to the airworthiness limitations of the BAe/Avro 146 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, which specifies new inspections and compliance times for inspection and replacement actions. We are issuing this AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of certain structural elements is detected and corrected; such fatigue cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.