AD 81-04-11 ACTIVE

81-04-11 SHORT BROTHERS LIMITED: Amendment 39-4046. Applies to Model SD3-30 airplanes, certificated in all categories, which have Meansco nose landing gear assembly, P/N 18001, serial numbers MMC-005, MMC-006, MMC-008, MMC-009, MMC-010, MMC- 011, MMC-012, MMC-015, MMC-022, MMC-023, MMC-024, MMC-029, MMC-031 through MMC-051; Menasco nose landing gear down lock mechanism assembly, P/N 18003, serial numbers MMC-003 through MMC-059; or Menasco main landing gear shock strut and link assembly, P/N 17525, serial numbers MMC-011 through MMC-130, installed.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent malfunction or collapse of the landing gear, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 100 hours time in service, or prior to the accumulation of 150 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later:

(1) Visually inspect the nose landing gear assembly, Menasco P/N 18001, for evidence of leaking hydraulic fluid.

NOTE: Payspecial attention to the area around the edges of the nameplate.

(2) If no leaks are found, make the appropriate log book entry and return to service.

(3) If leakage is detected, remove the nameplate and inspect the cylinder, Menasco P/N 18103, for cracks using either the dye penetrant or the eddy current method in accordance with Item 11, "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," of Menasco Mfg. of Canada Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-53, Revision 2, dated March 5, 1980, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(b) If as a result of the inspection required in paragraph (a)(3) of this AD:

(1) No cracks are found, reinstall nameplate, make the appropriate log book entry, and return the cylinder to service.

(2) Cracks are found, before further flight, except as provided in paragraph (g) of this AD, remove the cylinder from service and replace with a new or serviceable cylinder of the same Menasco part number, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

NOTE: Short Brothers Limited Service Bulletin No. SD3-32-68, Revision 2, dated April 25, 1980, pertains to the same subject.

(c) Within 500 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 hours time in service until paragraphs (d) and (e) of this AD are accomplished:

(1) For Menasco nose landing gear down lock mechanism, P/N 18003, serial numbers MMC-003 through MMC-059, disassemble, clean, grease the spring and sliding faces, reinstall, and test in accordance with Part A of Item 11, "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTION," of Menasco Mfg. of Canada Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-45, dated August 27, 1979, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

NOTE: Short Brothers Limited Service Bulletin No. SD3-32-66, dated September 25, 1979, refers to this same subject.

(2) For Menasco main landing gear shock strut and link assembly P/N 17525, serial numbers MMC-011 through MMC-130, disassemble components P/N 17781, P/N 17782, and P/N 17787; clean, grease spring, sliding spring, and sliding faces, reassemble, and test in accordance with Part A of Item 11, "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," of Menasco Mfg. of Canada Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-44, Revision 1, dated January 16, 1980, or an FAA- approved equivalent.

NOTE: Short Brothers Limited Service Bulletin No. SD3-32-65, Revision 1, dated March 13, 1980, refers to this same subject.

(d) Following rework of the nose landing gear down lock mechanism components to accommodate grease fittings accomplished in accordance with Part B and C of Item 11, "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," of Menasco Mfg. of Canada Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 32-45, dated August 27, 1979, or an FAA-approved equivalent, compliance with paragraph (c)(1) of this AD is no longer required.

(e) Following rework of the main landing gear shock strut and link assemblies to accommodate grease fittings accomplished in accordance with Part B and C of Item 11, "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS," of Menasco Mfg. of Canada Ltd. ServiceBulletin No. 32-44, Revision 1, dated January 16, 1980, or an FAA-approved equivalent, compliance with paragraph (c)(2) of this AD is no longer required.

(f) Grease nose landing gear down lock mechanism and main landing gear shock strut and link assemblies reworked in accordance with paragraphs (d) and (e) of this AD every 600 hours time in service thereafter.

(g) The airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR Sections 21.197 and 21.199 to a base where the maintenance can be performed.

(h) Upon submission of substantiating data, through an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector, the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, Europe, Africa and Middle East Office, may adjust the inspection intervals.

(i) If an equivalent means of compliance is used in complying with paragraphs (a), (c), (d) or (e) of this AD, that equivalent means must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, FAA, Europe, Africa and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.

This amendment becomes effective March 3, 1981.