Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13760 · Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes
Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes
All Model SD3 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes. This AD requires testing for stiffness of the aft pintle pin bushing of the main landing gear (MLG), and inspecting and measuring the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG for damage, and for out-of-limit dimensions of the bushing bore. This AD also requires corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct corrosion and deterioration of the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG. Corrosion and deterioration of the bushings, if not detected and corrected, could result in the MLG not extending fully during landing, with consequent damage to the airplane structure. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To detect and correct corrosion and deterioration of the aft pintle pin bushings of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in the MLG not extending fully during landing, with consequent damage to the airplane structure, accomplish the following:
(a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable:
(1) For Model SD3-30 series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD330-32-122, dated April 30, 2003.
(2) For Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-32-3, dated April 30, 2003.
(3) For Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360 SHERPA-32-2, dated April 30, 2003.
(4) For Model SD3-60 series airplanes: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-36, Revision 1, dated May 26, 2003.
Note 1: Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-36 references Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-32-03, dated November 1983, as an additional source of service information for replacement of certain bushings, if necessary.
(b) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a friction test for stiffness of the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG, and a detailed inspection for any defect of the bushings of the aft pintle pin of the MLG; and measure the bore diameter of the bushings (if a defect is found, this paragraph requires that the bushing be replaced; therefore, it is not necessary to do the bore diameter measurement on that bushing). Do all applicable corrective actions and other specified actions prior to further flight. Do all actions per the applicable service bulletin.
Note 2: 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.”
(c) Although the service bulletins specify to send certain items to Short Brothers for evaluation (i.e., results of the friction tests, unserviceable bushings, and photographs of serviceable bushings), this AD does not require that action.
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
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.
Aircraft
