Airworthiness Directives; British Aerospace Model H.P. 137 Mk1, Jetstream Series 200, and Jetstream Model 3101 Airplanes.

This amendment supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 82-20- 04 R1, which currently requires repetitively inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) hinge fitting, support angles, and attachment bolts on British Aerospace H.P. 137 Mk1 and Jetstream series 200 airplanes, and repairing or replacing any part that is cracked beyond certain limits. This AD requires installing improved design MLG fittings, as terminating action for the repetitive inspections that are currently required by AD 82-20-04 R1, and will incorporate the Jetstream Model 3101 airplanes into the Applicability of the AD. 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 actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent structural failure of the MLG caused by fatigue cracking, which could result in loss of control of the airplane during landing operations.