AD 96-16-05 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Series Airplanes, and Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes

Makes named: dowty. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Applies to the airplanes specified in Table 1 of this AD (equipped as specified), certificated in any category: Table 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Airplane model Equipped with ------------------------------------------------------------------------ F28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, Dowty Aerospace main landing gear (MLG) and 4000 series airplanes. downlock-actuators, part number (P/N) 200497-004 or P/N 200498-004 (on which Dowty Service Bulletin 32-17 has not been accomplished) or Dowty Aerospace main landing gear (MLG) downlock-actuators, P/N 200497-005 or 200498-005 (on which Dowty Service Bulletin 32-17 has been accomplished); F28 Mark 0100 series Dowty Aerospace MLG downlock-actuators, P/ airplanes. N 201218-005, -006, -007, or -008. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent the collapse of the main landing gear (MLG) under extreme inward side-load conditions (such as touching down at large ``crab'' angles) due to a lock toggle-link being pulled out of its over-center position by a bottomed MLG downlock-actuator (as a result of the relative movement of the upper and lower side stay members), accomplish the following: (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a pre-load adjustment of the MLG downlock-actuator, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-094, dated November 10, 1994, or Revision 1, dated March 15, 1995 (for Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes); or Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-153, dated November 10, 1994 (for Model F28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 series airplanes); as applicable. Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, repeat the adjustment thereafter at each installation or replacement of the MLG downlock-actuator. (b) As an alternative to the repetitive adjustment requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD: Following the accomplishment of the initial pre-load adjustment of the MLG downlock-actuator required by paragraph (a) of this AD, incorporate into the FAA-approved maintenance program provisions for pre-load adjustment procedures of the MLG downlock-actuator, as described in the F28 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), Temporary Revision dated November 1994, or F100 AMM Revision, dated September 1994. (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, [[Page 40513]] 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 2: 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 adjustment shall be done in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-094, dated November 10, 1994; or Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-32-094, Revision 1, dated March 15, 1995; or Fokker Service Bulletin F28/32-153, dated November 10, 1994; as applicable. 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 Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 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 9, 1996. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 1996. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-19523 Filed 8-2 -96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-23-P