AD 2002-01-03 Airworthiness Directives; GE Aircraft Engines CT7 Series Turboprop Engines

Models named: CT7-5A2, -5A3, -7A, -7A1 turboprop. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to GE Aircraft Engines (GE) CT7 Models CT7-5A2, -5A3, -7A, and -7A1 turboprop engines with part number (P/N) 6064T07P02 stage 2 aft cooling plates with serial numbers beginning with the letters GFF, installed on but not limited to Construcciones Aeronauticas, SA CN-235 series and SAAB Aircraft AB SF340 series airplanes. Note 1: This AD applies to each engine 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 engines 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 is required at the next overhaul of the engine or hot section module, or within 8,000 cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already done. To prevent stage 2 turbine aft cooling plate cracking, which could result in uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane, do the following: (a) Replace stage 2 aft cooling plates P/N 6064T07P02 with serial numbers that begin with the letters GFF with stage 2 aft cooling plate P/N 6064T07P05. (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any stage 2 aft cooling plates P/N 6064T07P02 with serial numbers that begin with the letters GFF. 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, Engine Certification Office (ECO). Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, ECO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ECO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance §§ 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 done. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 12, 2002. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 31, 2001. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-302 Filed 1-7-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P