AD 97-01-07 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

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

All Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series 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 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 left and right elevators from oscillating or fluttering, which could result in either reduced controllability of the airplane, or loss of the airplane's structural integrity, accomplish the following: (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Modify the left and right elevators by installing mass balance weights at the leading edge of the horn, forward of the elevator hinge line, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-014-01510A, dated December 15, 1995. And (2) Replace the left and right elevator spring with a stiffer spring, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.27- 150-01510B, dated December 15, 1995. (b) As of 12 months after the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane an elevator that has not been modified in accordance with paragraph (a) of 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, 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 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 [[Page 1277]] 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 modification and replacement shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.55-014-01510A, dated December 15, 1995; and British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.27-150- 01510B, dated December 15, 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Limited, Avro International Aerospace Division, Customer Support, Woodford Aerodrome, Woodford, Cheshire SK7 1QR, England. 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 February 13, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 2, 1997. S. R. Miller, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-365 Filed 1-8-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U