AD 98-20-32 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

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

All Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, 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 (e) 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 corrosion of the distance piece and adjacent side plates of the fuselage wing strut pick-up of the left- and right-stub wings, which could result in reduced strength of the wing strut attachment to the stub wing on the fuselage, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the main wing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, clean the pockets in the horizontal and vertical legs of the distance piece and adjacent faces of the side plates at the wing strut pick- up area on the stub wing, and perform a visual inspection to detect corrosion; in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA- 53-2, dated November 4, 1997. (b) If no corrosion is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, apply additional corrosion protection treatment in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-53-2, dated November 4, 1997. (c) If any corrosion is detected, prior to further flight, after cleaning and removing the corrosion from the distance piece and side plates in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-53- 2, dated November 4, 1997, accomplish paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If the depth of corrosion is within the limits specified in the service bulletin, apply additional corrosion protection treatment in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) If the depth of corrosion is outside the limits specified in the service bulletin, accomplish either paragraph (c)(2)(i) or (c)(2)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service or 90 days, whichever occurs first. (i) Rework the damaged components in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (or its delegated agent). Thereafter, repeat the detailed visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time-in-service or 90 days, whichever occurs first. (ii) Replace the damaged components with new components in accordance with Shorts SD3-60 Sherpa Maintenance Programme Manual, Section 5-26-57, page 9, dated July 17, 1995. (d) Within 10 days after accomplishing the initial cleaning and inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, submit a report of the inspection results (both positive and negative findings) to Short Brothers, PLC. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (e) 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. 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. (f) 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. (g) Except as provided by paragraphs (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), and (d) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-53-2, dated November 4, 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 Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. 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 004-11-97. (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 30, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-25475 Filed 9-24-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P