Airworthiness Directives: British Aerospace, Regional Aircraft Limited, HP 137 Mk1, Jetstream Models 200, 3101, and 3201 Airplanes

Zusammenfassung

This document proposes to supersede two existing AD's that require repetitively inspecting the universal joints and universal rivets on British Aerospace (BAe), Regional Aircraft Limited, HP 137 Mk1, Jetstream Models 200, 3101, and 3201 airplanes, and replacing any damaged part, and limiting the in-service life of the torque tube shaft assembly. Jetstream Aircraft Limited has introduced an improved flap torque shaft assembly that includes universal joints that are not life limited. The Federal Aviation Administration's policy on aging commuter-class aircraft is to eliminate or, in certain instances, reduce the number of certain repetitive short-interval inspections when improved parts or modifications are available. The proposed action would require installing this improved flap torque shaft assembly in place of the repetitive inspection and life limit requirements of the two existing AD's. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the flap torque shaft assembly, which could result in asymmetric flap deployment and loss of control of the airplane.