AD 97-21-11 Amendment 39-10164

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to measure the depth of the skin flutes of the skin panels of the rudder and elevators, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, due to a manufacturing process error, the depth of certain skin flutes of the rudder and elevators is less than the design specification. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent structural damage and/or loss of the rudder or elevators if the airplane is operated under ultimate load conditions, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.