AD 97-07-10 R1

On March 26, 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued AD 97-07-10, Amendment 39-9984 (62 FR 15373, April 1, 1997), which applies to de Havilland DHC-6 series airplanes. That AD requires inspecting the wing struts for cracks or damage (chafing, etc.), replacing wing struts that are found damaged beyond certain limits or are found cracked, and incorporating Modification No. 6/1581 to prevent future chafing damage. Modification No. 6/1581 consists of installing a preformed nylon shield around the area of each wing strut at the upper end closest to the wing. Accomplishment of the inspection and modification is required in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin No. 6/342, dated February 23, 1976.

That AD resulted from several reports of wing strut damage caused by the upper fairing rubbing against the wing strut on the affected airplanes. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent failure of the wing struts, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Need for the Correction

Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA noticed that paragraph (b)(1) of the AD is unnecessary. This paragraph reads:

"Incorporating Modification No. 6/1581 eliminates the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD."

Repetitive inspections are not required by AD 97-07-10. Leaving this paragraph in the AD could lead to confusion among the operators of the affected airplanes as to what is the intent of the AD. In addition to deleting paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, paragraph (b)(2) will become part of paragraph (b).

Correction of Publication

This document clarifies the requirements of AD 97-07-10, and correctly adds the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).

The AD is being reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected operators. The effective date of the AD remains May 23, 1997.

Since this action only clarifies a current requirement, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has determined that notice and public procedures are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing AD 97-07-10, Amendment 39-9984 (62 FR 15373, April 1, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows: