AD 88-02-05

88-02-05 SOCATA: Amendment 39-5829 applies to Models TB 20 and TB 21 (Serial numbers 275 through 709) airplanes certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To detect interference between the moveable portions of the landing gear structure that may prevent extension of the landing gear, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) visually and tactilely (by touch) inspect the main landing gear hinge ball joints for play or interference marks between the articulated strut and the main landing gear box stiffeners as described in SOCATA TB Aircraft Service Bulletin (SB) No. 30, dated, December 1986. (1) If detectable play is observed in the hinge ball joints in interference marks are found on the articulated strut or landing gear stiffener box, before further flight modify the airplane as prescribed in SOCATA TB Aircraft S/B No. 30, dated December 1986. (2) If no looseness or interference is found, within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD modify the airplane as prescribed in SOCATA TB Aircraft SB No. 30, dated December 1986.

(b) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished.

(c) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used if approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium; Telephone 513.38.30.

All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of the document(s) referred to herein upon request to SOCATA Groupe AEROSPATIALE, B.P 38, 65001 Tarbes, France; Telephone 62.51.73.00 or 62.93.99.45 (for recorder); or Mr. Bernard H. Veyssiere, Deputy Product Support Manager, U.S., Aerospatiale, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053; Telephone (214) 641.3614; or may examine the document(s) referred to herein at FAA, Office of the RegionalCounsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

This amendment becomes effective on February 20, 1988.