AD 97-23-08 Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R3000 Airplanes

Models named: R3000. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model R3000 airplanes; all serial numbers; certificated in any category, that are equipped with yaw damper Modification No. 013. 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 prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent the rudder control from becoming jammed because of the yaw damper control cables slipping out of the groove on the tension adjustment screw, which could result in a reduction in the directional controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the bridle cable ends for correct installation in the grooved screw and inspect for correct cable winding on the capstan and correct cable tension in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated September 30, 1996. Prior to further flight, correct any discrepancies in accordance with this service bulletin. (b) Install lockwire to the tension adjustment screw in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated September 30, 1996. (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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (e) The inspections and installation required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 152, dated September 30, 1996. 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 Avions Pierre Robin, 1, route de Troyes, 21121 Darois-France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 97- 079(A), dated March 12, 1997. (f) This amendment (39-10196) becomes effective on December 5, 1997. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 31, 1997. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-29535 Filed 11-12-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U