AD 87-14-04

87-14-04 BRITISH AEROSPACE (BAe): Amendment 39-5673. Applies to Model BAC 1-11 200 and 400 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished.

To prevent loss of the integrity of the tailplane center section top skin assembly due to cracks in reinforcing plates, accomplish the following prior to the accumulation of 30,000 landings or within the next 2,000 landings after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later:

A. Visually inspect the tailplane center section top skin assembly for cracks in the reinforcing plate in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of British Aerospace BAC 1- 11 Service Bulletin 55-A-PM5873, Issue 3, dated July 1, 1986.

1. If no cracks are found, repeat the visual inspection specified above at intervals not to exceed 7,500 landings.

2. If cracks are found, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with the accomplishment instructions of the service bulletin. Reinspect in accordance with paragraph 2.2. of the service bulletin.

B. An alternate means of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time, which provides an acceptable level of safety, may be used when approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region.

C. 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/or modifications required by this AD.

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

This amendment, 39-5673, supersedes AD 85-12-05, Amendment 39-5075.

This amendment, 39-5673, becomes effective August 20, 1987.