2008-13-26: Nose landing gear (NLG)

2008-13-26 Lockheed: Amendment 39-15589. Docket No. FAA-2007-28255; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-023-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 12, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following airplanes, certificated in any category. (1) Lockheed Model 1329-23A, 1329-23D, and 1329-23E series airplanes; serial numbers 5001 through 5162 inclusive. (2) Lockheed Model 1329-25 series airplanes, serial numbers 5201 through 5240 inclusive. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of numerous failures of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering cylinder. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of hydraulic pressure and steering control. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Information (f) The term "service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.--Service Bulletins Lockheed Service Bulletin Revision Date Affected airplanes 329-300 D October 4, 2007 1329-23A, 1329-23D, 1329-23E 329II-32-8 C October 4, 2007 1329-25 Inspection for Cylinder Assembly Part Number (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the part number (P/N) on the steering cylinder assembly for the nose landing gear (NLG). A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number can be conclusively determined from that review. Replace any cylinder assembly having P/N JL1955-1 with a new assembly before further flight in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Life Limits (h) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Review the airplane records to determine the total flight cycles accumulated onthe NLG steering cylinder assembly, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Before any steering cylinder assembly component reaches its life limit, as specified in Table 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Replace the cylinder assembly with a new assembly in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If the steering cylinder assembly's age cannot be positively determined from the records review, replace it within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, replace the cylinder assembly at intervals not to exceed the life limits as specified in the applicable service bulletin. Inspection for Tow Turning Limit Markings (i) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection above the NLG doors to detect missing tow turning limit markings, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If any markings are absent, restore/apply markings before further flight in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: "A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.'' Credit for Actions Done per Previous Version of Service Bulletins (j) Accomplishment of the actions specified in Lockheed Service Bulletin 329-300, Revision C, dated September 5, 2006, or 329II-32- 8, Revision B, dated September 5, 2006, as applicable, before the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. Parts Installation (k) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any airplane a NLG steering cylinder assembly that has P/N JL1955-1. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, ATTN: Hector Hernandez, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ACE-119A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6069; fax (770) 703- 6097; has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Beforeusing any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use Lockheed Service Bulletin 329-300, Revision D, dated October 4, 2007; or Lockheed Service Bulletin 329II-32-8, Revision C, dated October 4, 2007; as applicable, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, 86 South Cobb Drive, Marietta, Georgia 30063. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_ regulations/ibr_locations.html.