AD 2009-02-07 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

Models named: Jetstream 4101. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Jetstream 4101 airplanes, certificated in any category; constructor's numbers 41004 through 41096 inclusive and 41102 through 41104 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-17-12 Eddy Current Conductivity Test (g) For airplanes with constructor's numbers 41004 through 41096 inclusive: Within 6 months after September 23, 1998 (the effective date of AD 98-17-12), perform an eddy current conductivity test to measure the conductivity of the upper splice plate of the wing, in accordance with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-019, Revision 1, dated November 26, 1997. If the conductivity measurement is greater than or equal to 35.0% of the International Aluminum and Copper Standards (IACS), no further action is required by this AD. (h) During the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the conductivity measurement is less than 35.0% of the IACS: Prior to further flight, use a borescope to perform a detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion along the full length of the upper splice plate of the wing, in accordance with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2006. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1 year. (1) During any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if any corrosion is detected that is within the allowable limits specified in British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2006: Accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, at the times specified in those paragraphs. (i) Prior to further flight, repair the upper splice plate of the wing in accordance with Appendix 2 of British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2006. And (ii) Within 3 years after the detection of corrosion, replace the upper splice plate of the wing with a new upper splice plate in accordance with the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. Such replacement constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Table 1—Service Bulletins Service bulletin Revision level Date British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020 Original March 20, 1997. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020 1 July 3, 2006. British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-021 Original May 7, 1998. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-021 4 January 16, 2003. (2) During any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, if any corrosion is detected that is outside the allowable limits specified in British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020, dated March 20, 1997; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2006: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. New Requirements of This AD Replacement According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (i) Replacement of the upper splice plate is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this AD, if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with any service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD. Table 2—Service Bulletins BAE Systems (operations) limited service bulletin Revision level Date J41-57-021 1 May 26, 2000. J41-57-021 2 November 2, 2001. J41-57-021 3 August 9, 2002. (j) For airplanes with construction numbers 41102 through 41104 inclusive: Do the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-019, Revision 1, dated November 26, 1997. And do all applicable actions at the applicable times as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a principal inspector, your local FSDO. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Related Information (l) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0056, dated March 1, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use the applicable service bulletins identified in Table 4 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-021, Revision 4, dated January 16, 2003, has the following effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 4, 79-83 4 January 16, 2003. 2, 3, 5-78 3 August 9, 2002. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020, Revision 1, dated July 3, 2006; and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-021, Revision 4, dated January 16, 2003; in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) On September 23, 1998 (63 FR 44371, August 19, 1998), the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletins identified in Table 3 of this AD. Table 3—Material Previously Incorporated by Reference Service bulletin Revision level Date J41-57-019 1 November 26, 1997. J41-57-020 Original March 20, 1997. J41-57-021 Original May 7, 1998. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact BAE Systems Regional Aircraft, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171; telephone 703-736-1080; e-mail raebusiness@baesystems.com ; Internet http://www.baesystems.com/Businesses/RegionalAircraft/index.htm. (4) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (5) You may also review copies of the service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 4—All Material Incorporated by Reference Service bulletin Revision level Date BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-020 1 July 3, 2006. BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Service Bulletin J41-57-021 4 January 16, 2003. British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-019 1 November 26, 1997. British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-020 Original March 20, 1997. British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Service Bulletin J41-57-021 Original May 7, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 9, 2009. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-3782 Filed 2-25-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of exfoliation corrosion of the upper splice plate of the wing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such corrosion, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.