AD 2002-03-13 Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

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

All Model SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3-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 (b) 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 chafing or damage of the power cables of the heated windshield, which could cause arcing and result in smoke and fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Action (a) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection of the wiring harness and power cables of the heated windshield to detect inadequate clearance between the cables and the flight instruments, and to ensure that the harness is securely supported and no chafing of the protective cover on the cables is evident, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes), SD360 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes), or SD360-30-26 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); all dated April 2, 2001; as applicable. If no evidence of chafing is found and clearance and support of the power cables is adequate, no further action is needed. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (1) If no evidence of chafing is found, but clearance or support of the harness is inadequate: Prior to further flight, re-route the power cable for adequate clearance or provide additional support of the cable harness, as applicable, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes), SD360 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes), or SD360-30-26 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); all dated April 2, 2001; as applicable. (2) If evidence of chafing is found, but there is no damage to the outer nylon protective cover resulting in exposure of the glass fiber braid: Prior to further flight, re-route the power cables for adequate clearance, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes), SD360 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes), or SD360-30-26 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); all dated April 2, 2001; as applicable. (3) If evidence of chafing is found, and there is damage to the outer nylon protective cover resulting in exposure of the glass fiber braid: Prior to further flight, replace the damaged power cable with a new cable, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3 SHERPA series airplanes), SD360 SHERPA-30-2 (for Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes), or SD360-30-26 (for Model SD3-60 series airplanes); all dated April 2, 2001; as applicable. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD3 SHERPA-30-2, dated April 2, 2001; Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360 SHERPA-30-2, dated April 2, 2001; and Short Brothers Service Bulletin SD360-30-26, dated April 2, 2001; as applicable. 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. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in British airworthiness directive 001-04-2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-3587 Filed 2-19-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P