Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13985 · Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes
Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2008-16-09. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs, and replacement of any cracked bracket with a new or reworked bracket that conforms to the approved design standard. This AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by reports indicating that balance weight brackets have been found cracked on both the left and right elevator trim tabs. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the balance weight bracket for the elevator trim tab, which could cause loss of the balance weight. This could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
The following information applies to the service bulletin referenced in this AD:
(1) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Short Brothers Alert Service Bulletin SD360-55-A21, dated December 16, 2004.
(2) Although the service bulletin specifies to return subject parts to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or “X4': Prior to the accumulation of 250 flight hours since installation of the subject balance weight bracket of the elevator trim tab, or within 30 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, do a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the balance weight brackets for the left and right elevator trim tabs, in accordance with the service bulletin.
(1) For a balance weight bracket on which no cracking is found: Do paragraph (i) of this AD, and repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 250 flight hours until paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished.
(2) For a balance weight bracket on which any cracking is found: Before further flight, replace the bracket with a new or reworked balance weight bracket that conforms to the approved design standard in accordance with the service bulletin, and do paragraph (i) of this AD.
For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or “X4': Replacement of any subject balance weight bracket with a new or reworked balance weight bracket that conforms to the approved design standard, in accordance with the service bulletin, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD for the replaced bracket.
(i) For airplanes equipped with balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with X3 or X4: Before further flight following any inspection or replacement of a bracket in accordance with this AD: Refit the balance weights, covers, and trim tabs, in accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for disposition of certain conditions while refitting, obtain further disposition instructions from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated agent).
For all airplanes: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any airplane subject to this AD, a balance weight bracket having part number SD3-07-6011xA, and having a serial number beginning with “X3” or” X4,” unless the bracket is also marked “Rework batch number R-Bxxxxx” (where “xxxxx” is a number).
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.
