AD 95-18-05 Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Models SA226-AT and SA226-TC Airplanes

Models SA226-AT (serial numbers AT001 through AT074) and SA226-TC (serial numbers TC201 through TC419) airplanes, 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 within the next 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. [[Page 47864]] To prevent decompression injuries and the cargo door from breaking off and striking the empennage or the elevator, which could cause substantial structural failure and loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the lower two aluminum cargo door receptacles with steel receptacles in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) 226-52-008; Issued: April 3, 1979; Revised: April 6, 1984. (b) 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. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, FAA, Aircraft Certification Office, 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 Aircraft Certification Office. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office. (d) The replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin 226-52-008; Issued April 3, 1979; Revised April 6, 1984. 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 Fairchild Aircraft, P.O. Box 790490, San Antonio, Texas 78279-0490. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 7th Floor, suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment (39-9353) becomes effective on September 26, 1995. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 25, 1995. Henry A. Armstrong, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 95-21673 Filed 9-14-95; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U