AD 97-25-16 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 41005 through 41069 inclusive, and 41071 through 41078 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 (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 separation of the tailplane (horizontal stabilizer) from the fin, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 3,000 hours time-in-service or 11 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one- time inspection of the attachment bolts and surrounding area of the horizontal stabilizer leading edges for discrepancies, in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-55-002, Revision 1, dated July 25, 1996. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy 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 done in accordance with Jetstream Service Bulletin J41-55-002, Revision 1, dated July 25, 1996, which contains the specified effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level Page No. shown on page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1, 3........................... 1.............. July 25, 1996. 2, 4-9......................... Original....... June 28, 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 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed British airworthiness directive 004-06-96. (e) This amendment becomes effective on January 20, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 1997. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-32431 Filed 12-12-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U