Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14612 · BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes
This AD applies to BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A series airplanes, and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; except those modified by BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification HCM01694F.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. That AD currently requires a one- time inspection to detect corrosion of the flap structure and machined ribs, corrective actions if necessary, and reprotection of the rib boss bores. This new AD requires a records review of the results of that inspection, and an additional inspection and related investigative/ corrective action if necessary. This AD results from the development of an improved inspection for corrosion in the subject area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the flap structure and machined ribs, which could result in reduced structural integrity 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.
For airplanes on which the initial inspection required by AD 2002-03-07 was done before the effective date of this AD: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, review the airplane maintenance records to identify the results of the inspection.
For airplanes that were not inspected in accordance with AD 2002-03-07 before the effective date of this AD: Before the accumulation of 72 months since the date of issuance of the original standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, or within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a general visual “flaps off” inspection to detect corrosion of the of the flap structure and machined ribs, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, Revision 2, dated March 18, 2004. If no corrosion is found: Before further flight, reprotect the rib boss bores and faces, in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, Revision 2, dated March 18, 2004.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.”
If it is positively determined from the records review required by paragraph (f) of this AD that no corrosion was found during the initial inspection, or if no corrosion was found during the initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: No further work is required by this AD.
(i) If it is determined during the records review required by paragraph (f) of this AD that any corrosion was found during the initial inspection, or if it cannot be positively determined from the records review required by paragraph (f) of this AD that no corrosion was found during the initial inspection, or if any corrosion was found during the initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Within 36 months after the initial inspection or 24 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, but not sooner than 24 months after the initial inspection, perform a general visual inspection of the flap structure and machined ribs to detect corrosion, as specified in paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2), as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, Revision 2, dated March 18, 2004.
(1) If the corrosion extended into the boss bores, or if it cannot be positively determined from the records review specified in paragraph (f) of this AD that corrosion did not extend into the boss bores, do a “flaps-off” inspection.
(2) If the corrosion did not extend into the boss bores, do a “flaps-on” inspection.
If any corrosion is found during any inspection required by this AD: Repair before further flight in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, Revision 2, dated March 18, 2004, except as required by paragraph (k) of this AD.
If any corrosion is detected and BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, Revision 2, dated March 18, 2004, specifies to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions: Repair before further flight, using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Civil Aviation Authority (or its delegated agent).
(l) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.57-066, dated May 15, 2001; or Revision 1, dated September 20, 2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of 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.
