96-03-07: Flightcrew Seat

96-03-07 BEECH AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-9504. Docket 94-NM-162-AD. Applicability: Model 400 airplanes, serial numbers RJ-1 through RJ-65 inclusive; Model 400A airplanes, serial numbers RK-1 through RK-93 inclusive; and Model MU-300-10 airplanes, serial numbers A1001SA through A1011SA inclusive; certificated in any category. 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (b) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent reduced controllability of the airplane due to a shifting of the flightcrew seat during flight, accomplish the following: (a) Within 200 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, install an improved adjustment mechanism on the flightcrew seat, and replace the existing aluminum seat reinforcement assemblies with steel assemblies, in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2536, Revision 1, dated April 1995. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO. (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) The installation and replacement shall be done in accordance with Beechcraft Service Bulletin No. 2536, Revision 1, dated April 1995. (NOTE: The issue date of Service Bulletin No. 2536 is indicated only on page 1; no other page of the document is dated.) 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 Raytheon Aircraft Company, P.O. Box 85, Wichita, Kansas 67201-0085. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 13, 1996.