Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22831 · Fuselage
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Model BAe 146-100A, -200A, and -300A airplanes.
(2) Model Avro 146-RJ70A, -RJ85A, and -RJ100A airplanes.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracking on the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at a certain frame. This AD requires a one-time inspection for defects of the radius, and repair if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, do a visual and a high frequency eddy current inspection for defects of the radius of the rib 0 forward longeron at frame 26, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023. If any cracking or defects are found, repair before further flight, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA); or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's UK CAA's Design Organization Approval (DOA). If the method is approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
Report positive inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this AD using the Inspection Report form in Appendix 1 of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.53-249, dated August 25, 2023.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or responsible Flight Standards Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, mail it to the address identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Information may be emailed to: AMOC@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the responsible Flight Standards Office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or the UK CAA; or BAE Systems (Operations) Limited's UK CAA's DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
For more information about this AD, contact Todd Thompson, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 206-231-3228; email todd.thompson@faa.gov.
