Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11773 · British Aerospace BAe Model ATP Airplanes
British Aerospace BAe Model ATP Airplanes
BAe Model ATP airplanes, constructor's numbers 2002 through 2063 inclusive, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace BAe Model ATP airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the downlock support assembly and attachment of the nose landing gear (NLG), and of the bulkhead and adjacent structure in the NLG bay; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage of the NLG downlock support, which could result in collapse of the NLG and consequent injury to passengers or flightcrew.
To detect and correct damage of the nose landing gear (NLG) downlock support, which could result in collapse of the NLG, and consequent injury to passengers or flightcrew, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 6 months or 750 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies (e.g., damage, or loose nuts or bolts) of the NLG downlock support assembly, bulkhead, attachment locations, and adjacent structure in the NLG bay; in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-53-36, Revision 1, dated February 21, 2000. Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 2 years or 3,000 flight cycles, whichever occurs first.
(1) If any damage is found during any inspection in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the service bulletin.
(2) If any loose nut or bolt is found during any inspection in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, torque the affected nut or bolt to the limits specified in the service bulletin, in accordance with the service bulletin.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Note 3: Inspections and corrective actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin ATP-53-36, dated June 9, 1999, are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in this amendment.
