AD 97-21-11 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 Series Airplanes

Models named: SD3-30 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model SD3-30 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 otherwise 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 (b) 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 structural damage and/or loss of the rudder or elevators if the airplane is operated under ultimate load conditions, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 90 days of the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time inspection to measure the depth of the skin flutes of the port and starboard skin panels of the rudder and elevators, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD330-55-19, dated February 11, 1997. (1) If the depth of the skin flutes is within the limits specified in the service bulletin, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the depth of the skin flutes is beyond the limits specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair it in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. (b) 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 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. (c) 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. (d) The inspection shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD330-55-19, dated February 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 Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 3, 1997. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 9, 1997. James V. Devany, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-27355 Filed 10-16-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P