85-23-03 LOCKHEED: Amendment 39-5156. Applies to Lockheed Models 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G series Hercules airplanes with Lockheed serial numbers 4134, 4147, 4208, 4248, 4250, 4299, 4300, 4301, 4303, 4362, 4383, 4384, 4388, 4391, 4472, 4477, 4558, 4561, 4565, 4586, 4590, and 4763.
CAUTION: The fire extinguisher squibs are similar to a pistol cartridge. The squibs contain an explosive charge which could cause injury or death if accidentally fired. Do not expose squibs to heat or an electric current or strike or drop squibs. Failure to comply may result in serious injury or death to personnel.
Compliance is required within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To preclude misfiring of fire extinguisher systems, accomplish the following:
A. Inspect each fire extinguisher squib (two per airplane) in accordance with Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-26-4 dated October 4, 1984, to determine part number and loading date.Squibs having Holex part number 4199-1 (Lockheed number 695679-15), and having a loading date of 1/84, must be replaced with a serviceable squib prior to further flight, except as provided in paragraph B., below.
B. If a serviceable replacement squib is not available, a part number 4199-1 squib having a loading date of 1/84 may be used during the interim, provided the following is accomplished:
(1) Make a resistance measurement of the squib in accordance with applicable maintenance instructions of Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-26-4, dated October 4, 1984, before the aircraft is returned to service, and every 30 days thereafter, until an acceptable replacement squib has been installed or until the squib reaches its life limit, whichever occurs first.
(2) Ensure that the resistance measurement is, and remains at each 30 day check, within the tolerances specified in the applicable maintenance instructions referred to in Lockheed Alert Service Bulletin A382-26-4,dated October 4, 1984.
C. 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.
D. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Central Region.
All persons affected by this directive who have not already received the applicable service bulletin from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Lockheed-Georgia Company, Field Service Office, 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063. These documents may be examined at FAA, Central Region, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, 1075 Inner Loop Road, College Park, Georgia, or FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington.
This amendment becomes effective on November 24, 1985.