AD 99-07-05 Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model L-1011-385 Series Airplanes

Models named: L-1011-385 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model L-1011-385 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 (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 detect and correct fretting at the diagonal truss to web joint of the elevator, and cracking in the cap fillet radius adjacent to the joint, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the elevator and consequent flutter instability if coupled with other structural failures, accomplish the following: Initial and Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an external visual inspection and internal borescope inspection to detect discrepancies (i.e., loose/missing fasteners or rivets, sponginess, sheared rivets, fretting, damage, and cracking) of the elevator assembly, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed L-1011 Service Bulletin 093- 55-031, dated April 26, 1996. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months. Repair or Repair/Modification (b) If any discrepancy described in paragraph (a) of this AD is detected during any inspection required by this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish either the repair in accordance with the applicable sections of the Lockheed L-1011 Structural Repair Manual, or the repair/modification in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed L-1011 Service Bulletin 093- 55-031, dated April 26, 1996. Repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 18 months. Note 2: This AD requires repetitive inspections after accomplishment of either the repair or the repair/modification. Correct Part Number (c) Part II A. (3) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Lockheed L-1011 Service Bulletin 093-55-031, dated April 26, 1996, incorrectly specifies the part number to be used as a replacement for \1/8\-inch-diameter rivets as ``HLT319-5.'' The correct part number and description are identified as ``HLT318-5 protruding head Hi-lok.'' Where there are differences between the AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small 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, Atlanta ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. Special Flight Permits (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. [[Page 14583]] Incorporation by Reference (f) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Lockheed L-1011 Service Bulletin 093-55-031, dated April 26, 1996. 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 Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Center, 120 Orion Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29605. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 30, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 17, 1999. John J. Hickey, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-7116 Filed 3-25-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U