AD 95-17-13 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ Airplanes

Models named: Model Avro 146-RJ. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model British Aerospace BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ airplanes; as listed in British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-13-01490B, dated July 7, 1995; certificated in any category. 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 (c) 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, unless accomplished previously. Note 2: This AD references certain portions of a British Aerospace service bulletin for applicability and modification information. In addition, this AD specifies further detailed instructions, and in certain cases, specifies that a different sealant be used. Where there are differences between the AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails. To minimize accumulation of water in the elevators, which could lead to elevator and airplane pitch oscillations with a subsequent reduction of controllability of the airplane and tail surface structural damage. (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For all airplanes: Accomplish the following requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i), (a)(2)(ii), (a)(3)(iii) of this AD: (i) Drill, ream, and deburr new drain holes in the left- and right-elevators in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-13-01490B, dated July 7, 1995. The following procedures shall be accomplished in addition to procedures specified in the service bulletin. Identify the drain hole positions to be added in accordance with Drawing No. 1 of the service bulletin. Where drain holes already exist in the same rib bay within a distance of 2 inches of the new drain hole position defined in the service bulletin, no additional drain holes shall be added. Drawing No. 1 of the service bulletin shows the required number and bay locations of drain holes after the accomplishment of this paragraph. No drain holes other than those specified in drawing No. 1 shall be added. (ii) Apply protective treatment in the areas of the new drain holes in the left- and right-hand elevators in accordance with the service bulletin. (iii) Perform a visual inspection to determine if all of the seams on the elevator are sealed as specified in Drawing No. 5 of the service bulletin. Accomplish the inspection in accordance with the service bulletin. (A) If all the seams of the elevators are sealed, as specified in Drawing No. 5 of the service bulletin, no further action is required by this paragraph. (B) If any seam is not sealed, as specified in Drawing No. 5 of the service bulletin, prior [[Page 44419]] to further flight, seal the seam in accordance with the procedures specified in the service bulletin. Only Thiokol sealant PR-1431 Type 1, PR-1431 Type 2, PR-1431-T, PR-1431-T6, PR-1422B-2NA, or PR-1422B- 4NA shall be used to seal the seam. (2) For airplanes on which Modification HCM00912A has been accomplished: At the positions shown in Drawing No. 4 of the service bulletin, plug (blank off) the drain holes with a grommet, fill the inside of each grommet with sealant, and insert it into the drain hole to be plugged, in accordance with the procedures specified in the service bulletin. Only Thiokol sealant PR-1431 Type 1, PR-1431 Type 2, PR-1431-T, PR-1431-T6, PR-1422B-2NA or PR-1422B-4NA shall be used to fill the inside of each grommet. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install any elevator on any airplane affected by this AD unless that elevator has been modified in accordance with this AD. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113. (d) 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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-13-01490B, dated July 7, 1995, where specified. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from British Aerospace Holding, Inc., Avro International Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles International Airport, Washington DC 20041-6039. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 12, 1995. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 15, 1995. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 95-20629 Filed 8-25-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U