AD 97-18-08 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 41100 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 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 prevent reduced structural integrity and potential collapse of the main landing gear (MLG) due to loose spherical bearings of the drag brace, accomplish the following: (a) For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection to detect wear damage of the drag brace of the left- and right-hand MLG, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A32-061, dated July 11, 1997. (1) For airplanes on which no wear damage has been detected and that have accumulated 8,000 or more total landings as of the effective date of this AD or on which APPH Service Bulletin AIR84352-32-05 has been accomplished: Prior to further flight, perform an inspection to detect movement of the spherical bearing of the drag brace and measure the area between the lower link and the strut, in accordance with the Jetstream alert service bulletin. (i) If no movement of the spherical bearing is detected and the measurement of the area between the lower link and the strut is within the limits specified by the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, ``flight day'' is defined as any day on which the airplane is flown. (ii) If any movement is detected or the measurement of the area between the lower link and the strut is beyond the limits specified by the service bulletin, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD prior to the first flight of the day for the next 100 flight days of the airplane. (2) For all other airplanes on which no wear damage has been detected: Prior to further flight, perform an inspection to detect movement of the spherical bearing of the drag brace and measure the area between the lower link and the strut, in accordance with the service bulletin. (i) If no movement of the spherical bearing is detected, and the measurement of the area between the lower link and the strut is within the limits specified by the service bulletin, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD at the time specified in paragraph (a)(2)(i)(A) or (a)(2)(i)(B) of this AD, as applicable. (A) For drag braces that have accumulated less than 501 total landings: Repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 100 flights until the drag brace has accumulated 500 total landings. (B) For drag braces that have accumulated more than 500 total landings, but less than 8,000 total landings: Repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flights. (ii) If any movement is detected or the measurement of the area between the lower link and the strut is beyond the limits specified by the service bulletin, repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD prior to the first flight of the day for the next 100 flight days of the airplane. (b) For all airplanes: If any wear damage of the drag brace is detected during any inspections required by this AD, prior to further flight, remove the wear damaged part(s) and replace with a new or serviceable part, in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A32-061, dated July 11, 1997. Within 30 days after the replacement of a wear damaged part with a new or serviceable part, perform the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (c) Accomplishment of APPH Service Bulletin AIR84352-32-05, dated June 1997, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (a)(2) 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. 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Jetstream Alert Service Bulletin J41-A32-061, dated July 11, 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 September 17, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 1997. Gary L. Killion, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-23065 Filed 8-29-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P