Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

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This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This proposal would require modification of the left and right elevators, and replacement of the elevator spring with a stiffer spring. This proposal is prompted by reports indicating that water and ice have accumulated at the trailing edge of the left and right elevators; this accumulation can cause the elevators to become unbalanced, and oscillate or flutter. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent this oscillation or flutter. Elevator oscillation, if not corrected, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Elevator flutter, if not corrected, could couple with the natural vibrations of the airplane, and result in loss of the airplane's structural integrity.