AD 97-11-14 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 Series Airplanes

Models named: BAC 1-11 200, 400 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes; equipped with main landing gear (MLG) A-frame attachment fittings having the part numbers listed in British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 1995; 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 (f) 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 corrosion or cracking of MLG A-frame fittings, which could result in collapse of the MLG, accomplish the following: (a) Conduct a detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion or cracking of the MLG A-frame attachment fittings, in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 1995, and at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD: (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 16,000 or fewer total landings as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the initial inspection at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii). (i) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within 8 years since new, whichever occurs first; or (ii) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 16,000 total landings as of the effective date of this AD: Conduct the initial inspection within 4,000 landings or 2 years after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (b) If no corrosion or cracking is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first. (c) If corrosion is found and it is within the limits specified in British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 1995, prior to further flight, repair the component in accordance with the alert service bulletin. After repair, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first. (d) If corrosion is found and it is outside the limits specified in British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 1995, prior to further flight, replace the corroded component with a new component in accordance with the alert service bulletin. After replacement, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first. (e) If any cracking is found, prior to further flight, replace the cracked component with a new component in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 24, 1995. After replacement, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals of 4,000 landings or 2 years, whichever occurs first. (f) 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 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. [[Page 30232]] (g) 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. (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM6036, Issue 1, dated November 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 British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, 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. (i) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 23, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-14190 Filed 6-2-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-O