92-02-16 SHORT BROTHERS: Amendment 39-8153. Docket 91-NM-200-AD.
Applicability: Model SD3-60 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.
To prevent failure of the rudder torque tube fitting and reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection of the rudder torque tube fitting to detect signs of exfoliation corrosion, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-55-17, dated May 7, 1991.
(b) If exfoliation corrosion is found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Report findings of exfoliation corrosion to Short Brothers, PLC, in accordance with the service bulletin. The information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-511) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(2) If the corrosion is within the limits specified in Part B of the service bulletin, prior to further flight, remove the corrosion and apply pre-treatment penetrant and corrosion preventative in accordance with the service bulletin.
(3) If the corrosion exceeds the limits specified in Part B of the service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair in a manner approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
(c) If no signs of exfoliation corrosion are found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, apply pre-treatment penetrant and corrosion preventative in accordance with the service bulletin.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM- 113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.
NOTE: The request should be forwarded through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(e) 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 requirements of this AD.
(f) The inspection and application requirements of this AD shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-55-17, dated May 7, 1991. 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 Short Brothers, PLC, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 713, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3719. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue S.W., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100L Street N.W., Room 8401, Washington, D.C.
(g) This amendment (39-8153, AD 92-02-16) becomes effective on March 9, 1992.