AD 2000-22-05 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

Models named: SD3-60 SHERPA series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent breakage of the power control cable assemblies due to the inflexible construction of the cable, which could result in loss of engine power and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Actions (a) At the next scheduled heavy maintenance inspection, but no later than 1,200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Perform a one-time inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of the power control cable assemblies and pulleys of the engine controls, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-76-1, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2000. (1) If any power control cable assembly having P/N SD3-47-1091 or SD3-47-1094 is found, prior to further flight, replace the power control cable assembly with a new power control cable assembly in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (2) If any pulley having P/N C181605 is found, prior to further flight, replace the pulley with a new pulley in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on the engine controls of any airplane a cable assembly having P/N SD3-47-1091 or SD3-47-1094, or any pulley having P/N C181605. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Shorts Service Bulletin SD3-60 SHERPA-76-1, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2000, which contains the following list of effective pages:   Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 3, 4, 7, 13, 27 2 Mar. 21, 2000. 2, 8, 10-12, 14-16, 23, 29 1 Oct. 14, 1998. 5, 6, 9, 17-22, 24-26, 28 Original July 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Short Brothers, Airworthiness & Engineering Quality, P.O. Box 241, Airport Road, Belfast BT3 9DZ, Northern Ireland. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 4, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 23, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-27629 Filed 10-27-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U