AD 97-23-03 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace (Jetstream) Model HS 748 Series Airplanes

Models named: HS 748 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Jetstream Model HS 748 series airplanes on which Modification 7513 has been accomplished; 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 (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 failure of the bearing cap attachment bolts, which could result in detachment of the bearing caps and consequent collapse of the nose landing gear on landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 100 landings after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time visual inspection of the retraction jack mounting brackets in the nose landing gear bay to determine the type of attachment bolts installed on the bracket bearing caps, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin HS748-53-59-INSP, dated May 4, 1994. If any series A111 bolt or any other hexagonal head bolt is found, prior to further flight, replace that bolt with a new 12-point, star-shaped bolt having part number A228E18H or MS21250H04018, and washer having part number 8D14776; in accordance with the service bulletin. (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. (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 actions shall be accomplished in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin HS748-53-59-INSP, dated May 4, 1994. 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 Jetstream Aircraft, 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 19, 1997. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 007-05-94. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 29, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-29113 Filed 11-3-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U