AD 99-25-04 Airworthiness Directives; Lockheed Model 382 Series Airplanes

Models named: 382. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 382 airplanes as listed in paragraph 1.A.(1) (``Effectivity'') of Lockheed Hercules Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-57, Revision 1, dated January 30, 1997; 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, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fatigue cracking of the fastener holes and adjacent fuselage structure due to installation of the incorrect sized fasteners, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following: For All Airplanes: Inspection and Corrective Action, If Necessary (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection of the under floor to ring fittings at fuselage station 817E to verify installation of the correct sized fasteners, in accordance with Lockheed Hercules Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-57, Revision 1, dated January 30, 1997. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.'' Note 3: Inspections, repairs, or replacements that have been accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Lockheed Hercules Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-57, dated January 16, 1997, are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified by this AD. (1) If all fasteners are the correct size, no further action is required by this AD. (2) If any fastener is determined to be the incorrect size, prior to further flight, measure the distance between the fastener centers in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (i) If the distance between the fastener centers is less than 0.57 inch, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. (ii) If the distance between the fastener centers is greater than or equal to 0.57 inch, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. For Certain Airplanes: Removal of Incorrect Sized Fasteners, Inspection, and Follow-On Actions (b) For all airplanes on which the distance between the fastener centers is greater than or equal to 0.57 inch: Prior to further flight, remove any incorrect sized fastener and perform a one-time visual inspection of the fastener holes and adjacent fuselage structure to detect discrepancies (damage, corrosion, or misdrilled or elongated fastener holes) in accordance Lockheed Hercules Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-57, Revision 1, dated January 30, 1997. (1) If no discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, redrill the fastener holes to the correct size and install correct sized fasteners in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (2) If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, redrill the fastener holes to the correct size and perform an additional one-time visual inspection of the redrilled holes to detect remaining discrepancies (damage, corrosion, or misdrilled or elongated fastener holes) of the affected area, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. [[Page 67712]] (i) If no remaining discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, install the correct sized fasteners in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (ii) If any remaining discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO. 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, Atlanta ACO. 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 4: 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 (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) Except as provided by paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (b)(2)(ii) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Lockheed Hercules Alert Service Bulletin A382-53-57, Revision 1, dated January 30, 1997, which contains the following list of effective pages: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision level shown on Page No. page Date shown on page ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-6................. 1....................... January 30, 1997. 7-9................. Original................ January 16, 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 Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Systems Support Company (LMASSC), Field Support Department, Dept. 693, Zone 0755, 2251 Lake Park Drive, Smyrna, Georgia 30063. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 7, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 23, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-31071 Filed 12-2-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U