Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146-200A series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of the gust damper of the elevator control system to determine if the gust damper is properly charged, and of the horizontal stabilizer to detect cracking of elevator hinge rib 1; and corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct cracking of elevator hinge rib 1 of the horizontal stabilizer, which could occur if the gust damper of the elevator control system discharges and allows the elevator to move freely in ground gust conditions. Such cracking could result in damage to the structural attachment of the elevator to the horizontal stabilizer, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.