AD 95-04-06

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Applicability: All Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (c) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a [[Page 12414]] request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the failure of the main fitting, which could lead to collapse of the nose land gear (NLG) during landing, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes on which NLG part number 200876001 or 200876003 has been installed:

(1) Prior to the accumulation of 4,000 total landings or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current or ultra high sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.

(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,000 landings.

(b) For airplanes on which NLG part number 200876002, 200876004, or 201138002 has been installed:

(1) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total landings or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, conduct an eddy current or ultra sensitivity penetrant inspection of the NLG, in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.

(2) If cracking is detected during any inspection required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the currently installed NLG with a new or serviceable unit, or repair the crack, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. After replacement or repair, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 8,000 landings.

(c) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Service Bulletin S.B. 32-131, Revision 2, dated July 10, 1993, which contains the following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Revision Page No. level shown Date shown on page on page- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.................................. 2............ July 10, 1993. 2-4-............................... 1............ Nov. 12, 1992. Appendix A-1 1-4................... Original-.... Dec. 6, 1991. ------------------------------------------------------------------------

The replacement and repair shall be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. 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 British Aerospace Holdings, Inc., Avro International Aerospace Division, P.O. Box 16039, Dulles International Airport, Washington DC 20041-6039. 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1995.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 15, 1995. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.