AD 98-18-13 Airworthiness Directives; SOCATAGroupe AEROSPATIALE Models TB20 and TB21 Airplanes

Models named: TB20, TB21. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Models TB20 and TB21 airplanes, serial numbers 1 through 9999, 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 (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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To detect and correct cracks in the main landing gear (MLG) attachment bearing, which could result in collapse of the MLG during taxi and landing operations, accomplish the following: Note 2: The compliance times of this AD are presented in landings instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). If the number of landings is unknown, hours TIS may be used by multiplying the number of hours TIS by 1.5. (a) Upon the accumulation of 6,000 landings, upon the accumulation of 4,000 hours total TIS, or within the next 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, inspect (with a dye penetrant method) the main landing gear (MLG) attachment bearing for cracks in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in SOCATA Service Bulletin (SB) No. SB 10-080 57, Amdt. 2, dated November 1995; (1) If no cracks are found, continue to inspect the MLG attachment bearing for cracks at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings or 1,000 hours TIS, whichever occurs later, until cracks are found, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in the SOCATA SB No. SB 10-080 57, Amdt. 2, dated November 1995; (2) If cracks are found in the MLG attachment bearing during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further flight, replace the MLG attachment bearing in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in the SOCATA SB No. SB 10-080 57, Amdt. 2, dated November 1995; and, (3) Upon the accumulation of 6,000 landings or 4,000 hours TIS after the date of any MLG attachment bearing replacement, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,500 landings or 1,000 hours TIS, inspect the MLG attachment bearing for cracks as specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. (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 initial or repetitive compliance times 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 shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (d) Questions or technical information related to Socata Service Bulletin No. SB 10-080 57, Amdt. 2, dated November 1995, should be directed the SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Socata Product Support, Aerodrome Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes, B P 930--F65009 Tarbes Cedex, France; telephone: 33.5.62.41.76.52; facsimile: 33.5.62.41.76.54; or the Product Support Manager, SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 7501 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33023; telephone: (954) 893-1160; facsimile: (954) 964-4141. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (e) The inspections and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Socata Service Bulletin No. SB 10-080 57, Amdt. 2, dated November 1995. 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 SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, Tarbes-Ossun-Lourdes, B P 930, 65009 Tarbes Cedex, France, or the Product Support Manager, SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE, North Perry Airport, 7501 Pembroke Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida [[Page 46870]] 33023. 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 94- 266(A)R2, dated December 6, 1995. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 24, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 25, 1998. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-23394 Filed 9-2-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P