AD 98-25-08 ACTIVE

Final rule

98-25-08 British Aerospace Regional Aircraft [Formerly Jetstream Aircraft Limited; British Aerospace (Commercial Aircraft) Limited]: Amendment 39-10934. Docket 98-NM-216-AD.
Applicability: Model ATP airplanes, constructor s numbers 2002 through 2063 inclusive; 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.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent failure of the nosewheel steering control cables, which could result in loss of the nosewheel steering or collapse of the nose landing gear (NLG), and possible injury to the flightcrew and passengers, accomplish the following:

(a) Perform a visual and tactile inspection of the nosewheel steering control cables located in the nosewheel bay of the NLG to detect excessive wear, and test the cable pulleys for seizing, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the inspection and test at intervals not to exceed 1,800 flight hours, or 2,400 landings, whichever occurs first.

(1) For airplanes on which the nosewheel steering control cables have accumulated 6,000 or more total flight hours, or 8,000 or more total landings as of the effective date of this AD, and for airplanes on which the time-in-service of the nosewheel steering control cables is unknown: Inspect and test within 600 flight hours or 800 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(2) For airplanes on which the nosewheel steering control cables have accumulated less than 6,000 total flight hours or 8,000 total landings as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect and test within 900 flight hours or 1,200 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(b) If any cable wear is outside the limits specified in British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998, or if any discrepant pulley is detected during any inspection or test required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the discrepant cable or pulley with a new component in accordance with the service bulletin. Thereafter, continue accomplishment of the actions required by paragraphs (a) and (c)of this AD at the intervals specified in those paragraphs.

(c) Replace the nosewheel steering control cables with new cables at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998. Thereafter, repeat the replacement at intervals not to exceed 6,000 total flight hours or 8,000 total landings on the nosewheel steering cables, whichever occurs first.

(1) Within 900 flight hours or 1,200 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.

(2) Prior to the accumulation of 6,000 total flight hours or 8,000 total landings on the nosewheel steering cables, whichever occurs first.

NOTE 2: Accomplishment of the initial inspection or initial replacement of the nosewheel steering control cables prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Alert Service Bulletin ATP-A32-90, dated March 21, 1998, is considered acceptable forcompliance with the initial inspection or initial replacement required by this AD.

(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, 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.

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.

(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.

(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-32-91, dated May 19, 1998. 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 AI(R) American Support, Inc., 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 004-05-98.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 14, 1999.