AD 99-23-07 Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

Models named: BAe 146, Avro 146-RJ series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, except those on which Modification HCMO1638A (British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.26-44-01638A, dated February 25, 1999) has been accomplished; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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, unless accomplished previously. To prevent damage to the fuel feed pipe, which could result in fuel leaks and an increased potential for fire on the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection of the fuel feed pipe for signs of chafing, and ensure that responder units are undamaged and positioned correctly in relation to clamps and that electrical connector backshells and associated wiring are undamaged and are oriented to provide maximum clearance with the fuel pipe; in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.26-44, dated February 25, 1999. (1) If no chafing is detected, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles or 2 years, whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD. (2) If any sign of chafing is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.26-44, dated February 25, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 flight cycles or 2 years, whichever occurs first, until accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD. (i) If the damage does not exceed one-half the thickness of the fuel feed pipe wall, prior to further flight, repair the pipe. (ii) If the damage exceeds one-half the thickness of the fuel feed pipe wall, prior to further flight, replace the pipe with a serviceable part. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.'' (b) Modification of the clamping arrangement for the firewall responder units in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin SB.26-44-01638A, dated February 25, 1999, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (d) 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service [[Page 61784]] Bulletin SB.26-44, dated February 25, 1999. 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 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 009-02-99. (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 20, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 1, 1999. Vi L. Lipski, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-29055 Filed 11-12-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P