AD 93-02-03

93-02-03 SHORT BROTHERS, PLC: Amendment 39-8485. Docket 92-NM-185-AD. Applicability: All Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent stress-corrosion cracking and subsequent failure of the main landing gear (MLG), accomplish the following:

(a) Within 300 hours time-in-service or 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a visual inspection of the fork end of the rear pintle pin on each MLG to verify that an undamaged fillet of sealant is properly applied around the flanges of the bronze bushings, in accordance with Shorts SD3-60 Service Bulletin SD360-32-33, dated August 7, 1992.

(1) If an undamaged fillet of properly-applied sealant is found: No further action is required by this AD.

(2) If no fillet of sealant is found at the joint line, or if a damaged fillet of sealant is found: Prior to the accumulation of 1,200 hours time-in-service or 120 days after accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove the bushings and perform a magnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection to detect faults of the bores in the fork end, in accordance with the service bulletin. If faults are found as a result of the NDT inspection, prior to further flight, repair the fork end of the rear pintle pin in a manner approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The inspections and removal shall be done in accordance with Shorts SD3-60 Service Bulletin SD360-32-33, dated August 7, 1992. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from Short Brothers, PLC, 2011 Crystal Drive, Suite 713, Arlington, Virginia 22202-3719. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1993.