AD 98-09-28 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 Series Airplanes Equipped With Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Fire Extinguishers

Models named: SD3-30, SD3-60 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 series airplanes equipped with fire extinguishers manufactured by Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd.; certificated in any category. 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 as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To ensure that, in the event of fire, extinguishing agent is properly distributed within the baggage bays and portable extinguishers operate properly; and to prevent injury to crew and passengers, accomplish the following: (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, install a new cover on each fire extinguisher adapter assembly on bulkheads between the passenger cabin and aft and/or forward baggage bay, in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-30 series airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-11, dated July 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-60 series airplanes), as applicable. (b) Prior to further flight after accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish both paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD: (1) Install new fire extinguisher point placards, in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-30 series airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-11, dated July 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-60 series airplanes), as applicable. And [[Page 24389]] (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), in accordance with Note 1 of Paragraph 1.C. of Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-30 series airplanes), or Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-11, dated July 1994 (for Shorts Model SD3-60 series airplanes), as applicable. (c) For airplanes equipped with fire extinguishers having part number (P/N) BA51012SR-3 or BA51012SR: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD: (1) Install a chamfered nozzle on the discharge head assembly of each fire extinguisher and add a new trigger by replacing the discharge head assembly with a new discharge head assembly, having P/N BA22988-3, in accordance with Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-107, Revision 1, dated November 2, 1992. Or (2) Replace the trigger on the discharge head assembly of each fire extinguisher with a new trigger, in accordance with Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-108, dated September 1992. After replacement, install a chamfered nozzle on the discharge head assembly of each fire extinguisher by reworking the discharge head assembly in accordance with Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-107, Revision 1, dated November 2, 1992. (d) 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. (e) 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. (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin SD330-26-14, dated September 1994; Short Brothers Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-26-11, dated July 1994; Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-107, Revision 1, dated November 2, 1992; and Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Service Bulletin 26-108, dated September 1992; as applicable. 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 (USA), Inc., Civil Technical Operations, P.O. Box 211 (Route 76 East), Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330. 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. (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 8, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 22, 1998. Gary L. Killion, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-11302 Filed 5-1-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U