Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the center and rear fuselage skin including all the lap joints at stringers 2, 10, 19, and 30, and repair if necessary. This AD is prompted by evidence of cracking due to fatigue along the edges of certain chemi- etched pockets in the rear fuselage upper skin. We are issuing this AD to prevent a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure and consequent injury to passengers and flightcrew.