AD 98-12-27 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace BAe Model ATP Airplanes

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

BAe Model ATP airplanes, constructor's numbers 2002 through 2067 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 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 detect and correct cracking of the splined operating shaft of the internal door handle on the forward passenger door, rear passenger door, and rear baggage door, which could result in failure of the internal door handle, inability to operate the door during an emergency evacuation, and consequent injury to airplane occupants; accomplish the following: (a) Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 flight cycles on the splined operating shaft of the internal door handle on the forward passenger door, rear passenger door, and rear baggage door; or within 60 days after the effective date of this AD; whichever occurs later: Accomplish either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Perform a magnetic particle inspection to detect cracking of the splined operating shaft of the internal door handle on the forward passenger door, rear passenger door, and rear baggage door, in accordance with British Aerospace Regional Aircraft BAe ATP Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A52-30, dated March 19, 1997. (i) If any crack is found, prior to further flight, accomplish the actions required by paragraph (a)(2). (ii) If no crack is found, repeat the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. (2) Replace the existing splined operating shaft with a new splined operating shaft, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Repeat the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD within 2,000 flight cycles after the replacement, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles. (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 request 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft BAe ATP Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A52- 30, dated March 19, 1997. 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 in British airworthiness directive 004-03-97. (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 15, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 3, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15253 Filed 6-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U