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2000-18-12 POLSKIE ZAKLADY LOTNICZE SPOLKA ZO.O.: Amendment 39-11897; Docket No. 99-CE-84-AD.
(a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to Models PZL M18, PZL M18A, and PZL M18B airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the above airplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with this AD.
(c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct cracks in the lugs, corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of the main holes, in the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints. Such damage could result in failure of the joints with consequent in-flight wing separation.
(d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:
Action
Compliance Time
Procedures
(1) Inspect, using magnetic particle methods, the centerwing-to-outboard wing attach joints for cracks in the lugs, corrosion in the main holes, and ovalization of the main holes.
(i) Initial inspection: Unless you have accomplished the required inspection since December 27, 1999 (9 months before the effective date of the AD), accomplish upon accumulating 3,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on the airplane or within 30 days after September 27, 2000 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later.
(ii) Repetitive inspections:
(A) For existing attach joints: Within 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first, after the initial inspection; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first. The first repetitive inspection starts at 12 calendar months after the last inspection for those airplanes that already had the initial inspection accomplished since December 27, 1999 (9 months before the effective date of this AD).
(B) For new attach joints: Upon accumulating 3,000hours TIS on the joint, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS or 12 calendar months, whichever occurs first.
As specified in Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. Service Bulletin No. E/02.170/2000, dated August 3, 2000. Use the magnetic particle inspection procedures that are in the maintenance manual for these inspections.
(2) Accomplish the following after each inspection:
(i) Repair corrosion damage found to the extent allowed in the service bulletin and apply anti-corrosion protection;
(ii) Replace the wing attach joints if found cracked or if the corrosion damage is more than is specified in the service bulletin; and
(iii) Eliminate any ovalization of the wing main joint holes.
Prior to further flight after the inspection where the discrepancy was found.
In accordance with the procedures in Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. Service Bulletin No. E/02.170/2000, dated August 3, 2000.
(e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
(1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and
(2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.
Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 (e) 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it.
(f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact the Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4121; facsimile: (816) 329-4091.
(g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
(h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? You must accomplish the actions required by this AD in accordance with Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Co. Ltd. Service Bulletin No. E/02.170/2000, dated August 3, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from Polskie Zaklady Lotnicze Spolka zo.o., Wojska Polskiego 3, 39-300 Mielec, Poland. You may look at copies at 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.
(i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on September 27, 2000.
