AD 96-23-03 Airworthiness Directives; Aerospace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd. (Formerly Government Aircraft Factory) Models N22B, N24A, and N22S Airplanes

Models named: N22B, N24A, N22S. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Models N22B, N24A, and N22S airplanes (all serial numbers), certificated in any category, that are not equipped with a part number (P/N) 1E/N-12-57 fuselage stub fin plate (MOD N759). 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 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 within the next 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent structural failure of the fuselage area caused by a cracked stub fin plate, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the fuselage stub fin plate with one of improved design, P/N 1E/N-12-57 (MOD N759), in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section of Nomad Service Bulletin ANMD- 53-13, Revision 3, dated October 24, 1995. (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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Los Angeles ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. (d) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Nomad Service Bulletin ANMD-53-13, Revision 3, dated October 24, 1995. 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 Aerospace Technologies of Australia Pty Ltd., ASTA DEFENCE, Private Bag No. 4, Beach Road Lara 3212, Victoria, Australia. 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., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment (39-9808) becomes effective on December 23, 1996. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 28, 1996. John R. Colomy, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-28164 Filed 11-8-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P