AD 85-12-09

85-12-09 BRITISH AEROSPACE ARGOSY: Amendment 39-5082. Applies to Argosy Model AW-650 Series 100 and 200 aircraft Serial Numbers 6651, 6652, 6653, 6656, 6660, 6801, 6802, 6803, and 6805, certificated in all categories. To prevent possible loss of the vertical fin, accomplish the following:

A. Within 350 flying hours after the effective date of this AD, visually inspect the tail boom frame skin doubler plates, items 5, 6, 7, and 8 on drawing BBH 2702 for cracks in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin 55/41 dated May 1984.

B. If no cracks are found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 700 flying hours.

C. If any cracks are found, incorporate repair scheme BBH 2733 within the next 700 flying hours. Incorporation of BBH 2733 eliminates the requirement for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph A., above.

D. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

E. Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate airplanes to a base for the accomplishment of inspections and modifications required by this AD.

All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to British Aerospace, Inc., Box 17414, Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. 20041. These documents also may be examined at FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 9010 East Marginal Way South, Seattle, Washington.

This amendment becomes effective July 22, 1985.