AD/Convair/8 NLG Drag Strut Upper Left Hand Segments (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Kelowna Flightcraft (General Dynamics/Convair) Series Aeroplanes

AD/CONVAIR/8 NLG Drag Strut Upper Left Hand Segments 5/2006

Applicability:

Model 340 and 440 aircraft, and any such model aircraft converted to turbopropeller power.

Requirement:

1.    Perform an external visual inspection of all part number (P/N) 340-5210103, 5215103, or 340-7310231 nose landing gear drag strut upper left hand segments for cracking in the area depicted by Figure 1, view A-A, General Dynamics Service Bulletin (SB) 640 (340D) No. 32-7, dated 20 June 1973, by dye penetrant, eddy current, or ultrasonic methods, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of SB 32-7 (disassembly of strut is not required).

2.    If a crack is detected during any inspection, replace the drag strut with a new P/N 340-7310231-1 or serviceable parts (items 1 through 4, Convair Service Engineering Report No. 340-44A/440-44A, dated 16 June 1961.

3.    If cracks are not detected during any inspection, repetitively inspect in accordance with Requirement 1.

If a new P/N 340-7310231-1 part is used as a replacement, the inspection requirements of this Directive are terminated.

4.    If a reworked part (re. Convair Service Engineering Report No. 340-44A/440-44A) is used as a replacement, inspect in accordance with Requirement 1.

Note:  FAA AD 73-18-01 Amdt 39-1705 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Unless the initial inspection is already accomplished, within 10 landings after
11 May 2006.  Reinspect within 600 landings of initial inspection, unless already accomplished.

2.    Before further flight.

3.    At intervals not to exceed 2,400 landings.

4.    Reinspect within 600 landings after installation.  Inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,400 landings.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 11 May 2006.

Background: The FAA requires certain inspections to prevent possible collapse of the nose landing gear due to fatigue cracking of the drag strut upper left hand segments.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

29 March 2006