Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17727 · Fire protection
Bae Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
This AD applies to Bae Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes; and Model Avro 146-RJ70A, 146-RJ85A, and 146-RJ100A airplanes; certificated in any category; all models, all serial numbers.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bae Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of excess solder deposited during overhaul on the frangible plug of a fire extinguisher, which prevented the release of the extinguishant. This AD requires a one-time inspection of certain engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fire extinguishers to determine if the fire extinguishers are affected by excessive solder and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of a fire extinguisher to discharge, which reduces the ability of the fire protection system to extinguish fires in the engine or APU fire zones, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to the passengers.
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 equipped with fire extinguishers manufactured by Kidde Graviner Limited having part number (P/N) 57333 (all dash numbers): Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do an x-ray inspection to determine if there is solder between the operating head and container of the fire extinguishers in the engine and APU, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bae Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB. 26-078, dated September 21, 2011; or Kidde Graviner Service Bulletin 26-080, Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011; as applicable.
(1) If any solder is found, before further flight, do the action specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Kidde Graviner Service Bulletin 26-080, Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011.
(i) Overhaul the fire extinguisher and install. An overhaul includes the replacement of the operating head. Replacement of the pressure relief plug assembly only is not considered an overhaul.
(ii) Install a new fire extinguisher.
(2) If no solder is found, no further action is required by this paragraph.
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a Kidde Graviner Limited fire extinguisher having P/N 57333 (any dash number), on any airplane, unless the fire extinguisher is new, or it has been determined that there is no solder between the operating head and container of the fire extinguishers as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or has been overhauled in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Kidde Graviner Service Bulletin 26-080, Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011.
