AD 99-01-04 Airworthiness Directives; Avions Pierre Robin Model R2160 Airplanes

Models named: R2160. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model R2160 airplanes, all serial numbers beginning with 250; 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 within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent distortion of the original design rudder bars during operation, which could result in reduced or loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the left and right rudder bars, part number (P/N) 27.23.05.010 (left) and P/N 27.23.05.020 (right), with improved design rudder bars, P/N 27.40.31.010 (left) and P/N 27.40.31.020 (right), or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers. Accomplish these replacements in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual, as specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 143, dated September 8, 1995. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any of the affected airplanes, rudder bars that are not of improved design, P/N 27.40.31.010 (left) and P/N 27.40.31.020 (right), or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers. (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) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be used if 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (e) Questions or technical information related to Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 143, dated September 8, 1995, should be directed to Avions Pierre Robin, 1 route de Troyes 21121 Darois, France; telephone: 03.80.44.20.50; facsimile: 03.80.35.60.80. 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 95- 217(A), dated November 8, 1995. (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 1999. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 22, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-34383 Filed 12-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P