AD 98-04-05 Airworthiness Directives; Fairchild Aircraft Incorporated Models SA226-TC, SA226-T, SA226-T(B), and SA226-AT Airplanes

The following Models and serial numbered airplanes, certificated in any category. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Models Serial Nos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ SA226-TC.............................. TC201 through TC379; SA226-T............................... T201 through T275, and T277 through T291; [[Page 7646]] SA226-T(B)............................ T(B)276, and T(B)292 through T(B)378; SA226-AT.............................. AT001 through AT069. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 (c) 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 within the next 500 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. Note 2: The compliance time of this AD takes precedence over the compliance time in the Fairchild Service Bulletin referenced below. To prevent asymmetrical flap deflection, which could force the airplane into an uncommanded roll with possible loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect both wing trailing edge ribs at the center flap actuator attach brackets, wing stations (WS) 98.385 and 100.635, for cracks in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section, PART A, of Fairchild Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) 57-016, Issued: June 25, 1981; Revised: December 9, 1981. (1) If no cracks are found, prior to further flight, install the reinforcement doubler, part number(P/N) 27K36075-7, or an FAA- approved equivalent part number, in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section, PART B of Fairchild SB 57-016, Issued: June 25, 1981; Revised: December 9, 1981. (2) If any cracks are found, prior to further flight, replace any cracked rib with a new rib assembly (P/N 27-31085-1/2 or 27- 31086-1/2 or an FAA-approved equivalent part number) and install the new reinforcement doubler (P/N 27K36075-7 or an FAA-approved equivalent part number) in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section, PART B and PART C of Fairchild SB 57-016, Issued: June 25, 1981; Revised: December 9, 1981. (b) 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. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office. (d) The inspection, installation, and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Fairchild Service Bulletin SA226 Series SB 57-016, Issued: June 25, 1981; Revised: December 9, 1981. 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 Fairchild Aircraft Inc., P.O. Box 32486, San Antonio, Texas, 78284. 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. (e) This amendment (39-10318) becomes effective on March 10, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 2, 1998. Carolanne L. Cabrini, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-3397 Filed 2-13-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U