AD 2005-05-10

(a) This AD becomes effective April 15, 2005.

(b) None.

(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

(d) This AD was prompted by reported cracking of the elevator “G” weight support structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the elevator “G” weight support structure with possible consequent jamming of the right-hand elevator servo tab and reduced controllability of the airplane.

(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

(f) Before the accumulation of 14,000 total landings, or within 4,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later: Perform a one-time general visual inspection of the elevator “G” weight support structure to determine whether BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification HCM00654A as described in BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.27-037-00654A, Revision 2, dated May 8, 2003, has been incorporated on the airplane. If it can be conclusively determined that HCM00654A has been incorporated, no further action is required by this AD.

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 enhance visual access to all exposed 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.”

(g) For airplanes on which BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification HCM00654A has not been done and airplanes on which it cannot be conclusively determined that this modification has been done: Before the accumulation of 14,000 total landings, or within 4,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever is later, except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD, perform a detailed inspection for cracking of the elevator “G” weight support structure, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.27-037, Revision 3, dated April 17, 2003.

(1) If no crack is found and the structure has not been repaired previously, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.

(2) If no crack is found but the structure has been repaired previously, repeat the inspection at applicable intervals specified in Appendix 1 of the service bulletin.

Note 2:

For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is “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.”

(h) If, before or after any inspection required by this AD, the airplane experiences any incident of nose wheel shimmy; overweight, hard, or high drag/side load landing; flight in severe turbulence; or pitch oscillation: Before further flight, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD. If no crack is found, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable.

(i) If any crack is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, replace the elevator “G” weight support structure in accordance with paragraph (j) of this AD, or repair the structure in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its delegated representative).

(j) Replacement of the existing elevator “G” weight support structure with a new, improved elevator “G” weight support structure in accordance with BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.27-037-00654A, Revision 2, dated May 8, 2003, terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(k) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

(l) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

(m) British airworthiness directive 006-04-2003 also addresses the subject of this AD.

(n) You must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection Service Bulletin ISB.27-037, Revision 3, dated April 17, 2003; to perform the inspections and corrective actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. If the replacement of the elevator “G” weight support structure is accomplished, you must use BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Modification Service Bulletin SB.27-037-00654A, Revision 2, dated May 8, 2003; to accomplish this replacement. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact British Aerospace Regional Aircraft American Support, 13850 Mclearen Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.