86-05-09 FAIRCHILD: Amendment 39-5252. Applies to all Model F27 and FH227 series airplanes certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated.
To detect cracks in the FH227 and F27 main landing gear drag strut assemblies due to the bores of some tubes having surface break-up generated during the drawing process, accomplish the following, unless previously accomplished:
A. For airplanes which have accumulated 20,000 landings or more prior to the effective date of this AD, within 400 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, using eddy current or ultrasonic inspection equipment and procedures, inspect the left and right upper main undercarriage drag stay for flaws, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions and sketches outlined in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-45N (for Model FH227 airplanes) or Service Bulletin 32-81C (for Model F27 airplanes), dated October 16, 1981.
B. For airplanes which have accumulated more than 10,000landings but less than 20,000 landings prior to the effective date of this AD, within 800 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, using eddy current or ultrasonic inspection equipment and procedures, inspect the left and right upper main undercarriage drag stay for flaws in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions and sketches outlined in Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-45N (for Model FH227 airplanes) or Service Bulletin 32-81C (for Model F27 airplanes), dated October 16, 1981.
C. Within 2,000 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, visually inspect the left and right upper main undercarriage stay in accordance with Dowty Rotol Service Bulletin 32-45N (for Model FH227 airplanes) or Service Bulletin 32-81C (for Model F27 airplanes), Item 2B(1)(2)(3)(4), dated October 16, 1981.
D. If, as a result of the inspections referred to in paragraphs A. and B., above, flaws are detected, replace damaged part with a serviceable part prior tonext flight.
E. Upon the request of an operator, an FAA Maintenance Inspector, subject to prior approval by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, New England Region, may adjust the inspection times specified in this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of that operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the change for that operator.
F. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base in order to comply with the inspection requirements of this AD.
G. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, New England Region.
All persons affected by this proposal who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Fairchild Industries, Inc., Fairchild Republic Division, Hagerstown, Maryland21740. These documents may be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or at the FAA, New England Region, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York.
This amendment becomes effective April 13, 1986.