Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13703 · Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes
Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes
All Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections and torque tests for discrepancies of certain bolts and rivets; and related investigative and corrective actions. This action is necessary to detect and correct loose bolts that attach the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer, and pulled or loose rivets in the upper shear angles, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To detect and correct loose bolts that attach the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer, and pulled or loose rivets in the upper shear angles, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer, accomplish the following:
(a) Prior to the accumulation of 1,500 total flight hours, or within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Perform a detailed inspection, including a torque test, to detect discrepancies in the bolts or bolt holes that attach the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer; and to detect loose or pulled rivets in the upper shear angles. Repeat the detailed inspection and torque test at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight hours. If any discrepancy is found in the bolts or bolt holes, do the related investigative action before further flight. Accomplish all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa-55-1, dated June 6, 2003.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(b) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection or torque test required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa-55-1, dated June 6, 2003. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain repair conditions: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority or its delegated agent.
(c) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3-60 Sherpa-55-1, dated June 6, 2003. 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, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 001-06-2003.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
