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

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain British Aerospace Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. That AD currently requires a one- time measurement of the thickness of the outer links on the side stays of the main landing gear (MLG), and related investigative and corrective actions as necessary; and provides for replacement of a thin outer link with a new or serviceable part in lieu of certain related investigative inspections. This new AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the outer links on the MLG side stays, and corrective actions if necessary. This new action also expands the applicability, provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, and reduces the repetitive inspection interval. This AD is prompted by new crack findings on airplanes not subject to the existing AD, and the determination that the profile gauge's slipping over the outer link profile is not a factor in the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the outer links of the MLG side stays, which could result in failure of a side stay and consequent collapse of the landing gear.