AD 97-04-16 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Series Airplanes Equipped With Walter Kidde Nose Wheel Steering System

Models named: F27 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model F27 series airplanes, serial numbers 10102 through 10692 inclusive; equipped with Walter Kidde nose wheel steering system (steering unit gearbox housing assembly) having part number 893954; 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 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 a reduction in the torque value of the bolt in the Walter Kidde nose wheel steering system, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane or the collapse of the nose landing gear (NLG) during landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, or within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, tighten the bolt that connects the gearbox housing assembly of the steering unit to the pivot bracket of the NLG to a torque value of 700 to 800 inch-pounds, in accordance with Fokker Service Bulletin F27/32-166, dated September 7, 1993. (b) Within 30 days following accomplishment of paragraph (a) of this AD, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to include periodic inspections of the torque value of the affected bolt, as described in Fokker F27 Maintenance Circular No. 32-6, dated April 30, 1993; and, thereafter, comply with those requirements. Note 2: Once the maintenance program is changed to include the required periodic inspections, in accordance with this paragraph, operators do not need to make a maintenance log entry to show compliance with this AD every time those inspections are accomplished thereafter. (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 Fokker Service Bulletin F27/32-166, dated September 7, 1993; and Fokker F27 Maintenance Circular No. 32-6, dated April 30, 1993. 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 March 31, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 13, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-4201 Filed 2-21-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U