AD 2001-26-05 Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Model 247F Propellers

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hamilton Sundstrand model 247F propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to Aerospatiale ATR-72 and Xian MA-60 airplanes. Note 1: This AD applies to each propeller 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 propellers 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.

Compliance with this AD is required within 30 days of the effective date of this AD, unless already done. To prevent the loss of a propeller blade, which may result in loss of airplane control, do the following: (a) Do the following in accordance with paragraphs 3A. through 3C.(2), of the Accomplishment Instructions, of Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated September 7, 2001. (1) Remove from service propeller blades part numbers (P/N's) R810640-1, R810640-2, and R810640-3, within 30 days of the effective date of this AD, and replace with serviceable propeller blades. (2) Mark propellers P/N 810610-1 as P/N 810610-2, and propellers P/N 815550-1 as P/N 815550-2. (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any propeller blades P/N's R810640-1, R810640-2, and R810640-3 into any propeller, and do not install any propellers P/N's 810610-1 and 815550-1 onto any airplane. 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, Boston Aircraft Certification Office (ACO). Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ACO. 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 aircraft to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference (e) The propeller blade replacement and propeller marking must be done in accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated September 7, 2001. 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 Hamilton Sundstrand, A United Technologies Company, Publications Manager, Mail Stop 2AM-EE50, One Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. Copies may be inspected, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; 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 January 14, 2002. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 14, 2001. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-31328 Filed 12-27-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U