AD 93-16-05

93-16-05 SHORT BROTHERS, PLC: Amendment 39-8662. Docket 93-NM-12-AD. Applicability: All Model SD3-60 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent reduced structural integrity of the attachment of the horizontal stabilizer to the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 20,000 total landings on the horizontal stabilizer or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings, perform an ultrasonic inspection to detect cracking in the attachment lugs of the horizontal stabilizer in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-55-19, dated January 18, 1993. If any cracked lug is found, prior to further flight, replace the lug with a serviceable part in accordance with the service bulletin and continue to inspect at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings in accordance with this paragraph.

(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 replacement shall be done in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD360-55-19, dated January 18, 1993. 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 October 4, 1993.