AD 2006-03-11 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model HS 748 Airplanes

Models named: HS 748 series 2A, series 2B. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model HS 748 series 2A and series 2B 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. Installation and Repetitive Inspections (f) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, install a baulking actuator system for the elevator gust lock in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003. Note 1: BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003, refers to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Alert Service Bulletin HS748-A27-128, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2002; and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-A27-76, Revision 3, dated December 20, 1996; as additional sources of service information for doing the installation. (g) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2), test the actuator system for correct operation in accordance with Appendix 2 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 flight hours or 240 days, whichever occurs first. Correct any operation errors before further flight in accordance with a method approved by the FAA or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent). (1) 750 flight hours or 240 days after installation of the actuator system, whichever occurs first. (2) 750 flight hours or 240 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Inspection of Any Installation Done in Accordance With Older Service Bulletin (h) For airplanes with a baulking actuator system installed in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2002: Within 750 flight hours or 240 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. (1) Do a general visual inspection of the actuator system for correct wiring in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003. Reroute any wiring as applicable before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) Do a functional test of the actuator system in accordance with Appendix 1 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Previous Actions (i) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 1, dated December 10, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with paragraphs (f) and (g) 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. Related Information (k) British airworthiness directives G-2004-0002, dated February 18, 2004, and 003-12-2002, also address the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin HS748-27-135, Revision 2, dated October 2, 2003, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at 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 January 26, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-1149 Filed 2-8-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from incidents where an elevator gust lock re-engaged without input from the flightcrew, and may have caused a flight control restriction. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded re-engagement of the elevator gust lock, which could result in restriction of the elevator's movement and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.