AD 2006-12-09 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and 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. Inspections (f) Use high-frequency eddy current and detailed methods to inspect for signs of corrosion (including cracks, blistering, or flaking paint) of frames 15, 18, 41, and 43, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-182, dated March 16, 2005. Inspect at the applicable time specified in 1.D. “Compliance” of the service bulletin. Application of corrosion-preventive treatment, in accordance with the service bulletin, extends the repetitive inspection interval, as specified in Table 2 in 1.D. “Compliance” of the service bulletin. 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.” Corrective Action (g) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, perform applicable related investigative/corrective actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-182, dated March 16, 2005, except as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. Exceptions to Service Bulletin Specifications (h) If the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to contact the manufacturer for appropriate action, before further flight, repair per a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent). (i) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement. (j) Where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time after the issuance of the service bulletin, this AD requires compliance within the specified compliance time after the effective date of this AD. And where the service bulletin specifies a compliance time “since date of construction” of the airplane, this AD requires compliance since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k)(1) 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. (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 (l) British airworthiness directive G-2005-0019, dated July 6, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-182, dated March 16, 2005, 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 May 31, 2006. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-5206 Filed 6-9-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report indicating that in some cases the inspections required by AD 2004-01-07 revealed no damage, yet frame corrosion and cracking were later found during scheduled maintenance in the two forward fuselage frames 15 and 18. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.