AD 97-16-01 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes

Models named: 4101. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes, constructors numbers 41004 through 41099 inclusive, 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 (d) 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 detect and correct fatigue-related cracking in the shear cleats of the roller guide structural support of the passenger door, which could result in structural failure of the passenger door, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane or loss of the passenger door while the airplane is in flight, accomplish the following: (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 6,000 landings, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect cracks of the shear cleats of the roller guide structural support of the passenger door, in accordance with Part 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-043, Revision 2, dated May 6, 1997. Repeat the detailed visual inspection, as specified in Part 2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings. Note 2: Accomplishment of the initial detailed visual inspection prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-52-043, dated March 14, 1997, or Revision 1, dated April 11, 1997, is considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (1) If one cracked shear cleat is detected, and the crack is greater than 0.50 inches, prior to further flight, replace the cracked shear cleat with a new shear cleat in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (2) If one cracked shear cleat is detected, and the crack is less than or equal to 0.50 inches, within 170 landings following accomplishment of the inspection required by this paragraph, replace the cracked shear cleat with a new shear cleat in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (3) If more than one cracked shear cleat is detected, but no single crack is greater than 0.50 inches in length, prior to further flight, replace all cracked shear cleats with new shear cleats, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (b) For airplanes on which all shear cleats have been replaced: Inspect as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to the accumulation of 6,000 total landings on the highest time new shear cleat, or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the detailed visual inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings. (c) Modification of the passenger door (i.e. Modification No. JM41576) in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-050, dated May 6, 1997, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A52-043, Revision 2, dated May 6, 1997. The modification shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-52-050, dated May 6, 1997. 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 AI(R) American Support, Inc., 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 12, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 21, 1997. D. L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-19599 Filed 7-25-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U