83-01-02 GENERAL DYNAMICS (Convair): Amendment 39-4536. Applies to Models 340/440, and military models eligible or to be made eligible for civil use under Type Certificate 6A6, and all such model airplanes converted to turbopropeller power, certificated in all categories.
Compliance required as indicated unless previously accomplished.
To prevent fracture of the nose landing gear (NLG) axle caused by fatigue cracks, accomplish the following.
NOTE: All references to hours of time in service apply to nose landing gear axle and not to the aircraft.
(A) Within 150 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, or prior to the accumulation of 10,150 hours time in service, whichever occurs later, unless accomplished within the last 1050 hours time in service, conduct an ultrasonic inspection of each NLG axle (P/N 240- 5217002 or P/N 340-7310205) in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph 2 entitled, "Accomplishment Instructions," of GeneralDynamics Convair Division Service Bulletin 640 (340D) 32-13 dated August 7, 1978. If cracks are found, replace with a like serviceable part prior to return of aircraft to service.
(B) Repeat the ultrasonic inspection specified in paragraph (A) or perform the magnetic particle inspection specified in paragraph (C) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 1200 hours time in service.
(C) Within 12,000 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12,000 hours time in service, conduct a magnetic particle inspection of the NLG axle (P/N 240-5217002 or P/N 340-7310205) in accordance with the applicable provisions of paragraph 2, entitled "Accomplishment Instructions" of Service Bulletin 640(340D) 32-13. If cracks are found, replace NLG axle with a like serviceable part prior to return of aircraft to service.
(D) Prior to issuance of a Certificate of Airworthiness for military aircraft being converted for civil certification the airplane must be inspected in accordance with paragraph (A) or (C) of this AD.
(E) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections required by this AD.
(F) Alternative inspections, modifications or other actions which provide an equivalent level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Western Aircraft Certification Field Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, Hawthorne, California.
The manufacturer's specifications and procedures identified and described in this directive are incorporated herein and made part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1).
All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to General Dynamics, Convair Division, P.O. Box 80877, San Diego, California 92138. These documents also may be examined at FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or Western Aircraft Certification Field Office, 15000 Aviation Boulevard, Hawthorne, California.
This amendment becomes effective January 19, 1983.