AD 95-17-07 Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft SA226 Series Airplanes

The following airplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Model Serial Nos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SA226-T............................ T201 through T75 and T77 through T291. SA226-T(B)......................... T(B)276 and T(B)292 through T(B)417. SA226-AT........................... AT001 through AT074. SA226-TC........................... TC201 through TC419. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Required as indicated in the body of this AD. To prevent the main landing gear (MLG) doors from jamming, which could prevent the gear from extending and could result in an emergency gear-up landing, accomplish the following: (a) For airplanes with the MLG door stop that has been installed in accordance with Fairchild Aircraft SA226-32-043, Revised: September 6, 1983, within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, remove the part number (P/N) 27K51001-007 bolts (4 each) or alternate P/N NAS 428-3-13 bolts and jam nuts, P/N NAS 509-3 (4 each), from the P/ N 27K51001-003 bracket assembly. (b) For all affected airplanes, within the next 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the last 400 hours TIS, accomplish the ``Fluid Servicing-- Landing Gear'' instructions in SA226 Maintenance Manual 32-00-00, paragraph 1C. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Airplane Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth ACO. (e) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin 226-32-043, Revised: September 6, 1983, or page 1C of SA226 Maintenance Manual 32-00-00 upon request to Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490; or may examine this service bulletin at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (f) This amendment (39-9336) becomes effective on August 28, 1995. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 10, 1995. Gerald W. Pierce, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 95-20278 Filed 8-18-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U