2000-05-23: Main Landing Gear Fuselage Attach Bolt

2000-05-23 AYRES CORPORATION: Amendment 39-11633; Docket No. 99-CE-57-AD. Applicability: The following airplane models, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that have at least one main landing gear fuselage attach bolt (that is drilled with a grease fitting), part number 21418T001 or 21418T005 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number): Models S-2R, S2R-G1, S2R-G5, S2R-G6, S2R-G10, S2R-R3S, S2R-T11, S2R-T15, S2R-T34, S2R-T45, S2R-T65, S2R-R1340, S2R-R1820, S2RHG-T34, and S2RHG-T65. 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent collapse of the main landing gear caused by cracked main landing gear fuselage attach bolts, which could result in main landing gear collapse with possible wing fuel tank rupture and consequent fire, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, replace each main landing gear fuselage attach bolt that is drilled with a grease fitting with an undrilled (no grease access) attach bolt, part number AN10-33 or NAS6610-42D (or FAA-approved equivalent part number). Accomplish this replacement in accordance with both Ayres Service Bulletin No. SB-AG-42, dated June 16, 1999, and the applicable maintenance manual. (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any affected airplane, a main landing gear fuselage attach bolt (that is drilled with a grease fitting), part number 21418T001 or 21418T005 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number). (c) 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. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (e) The replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Ayres Service Bulletin No. SB-AG-42, dated June 16, 1999. 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 Ayres Corporation, P.O. Box 3090, One Ayres Way, Albany, Georgia 31706-3090. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 5, 2000.