AD 2002-15-03 Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Model 568F-1 Propellers.

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (formerly Hamilton Standard Division) model 568F-1 propellers installed with blades, part numbers (P/N's) R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a serial number (SN) of FR1698 or lower. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, Aerospatiale ATR 42-400 and -500 and ATR 72 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 (i) 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 Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done. To prevent blade failure due to corrosion-induced fatigue, which could result in blade separation and possible loss of airplane control, do the following: (a) For propeller blades P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, replace propeller blades SN FR265 or lower before further flight. (b) Before further flight, replace propeller blades P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a SN of FR1698 or lower, installed on ATR 72 and ATR 42-400 airplanes. (c) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any propeller blade that was removed in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD on any airplane. (d) Replace propeller blades P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a SN of FR1698 or lower, installed on ATR 42-500 airplanes, before December 31, 2002. (e) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any propeller blades, P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a SN of FR1698 or lower, on any airplane unless an ultrasonic shear wave inspection of the blade tulip is done in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 568F-61-A35, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2002, before installation of the propeller blade. (f) Procedures for removing the propeller blade and installing a serviceable blade can be found in Hamilton Sundstrand Maintenance Manual P5206. (g) Within 50 FH since-last-inspection, for propeller blades, P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a SN of FR1698 or lower, perform an ultrasonic shear wave inspection of the blade tulip in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 568F-61-A35, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2002, and remove blades with unacceptable indications in accordance with the ASB. (h) Thereafter, within 50 FH since-last-inspection, for propellers blades P/N's R815505-2 and R815505-3, that have a SN of FR1698 or lower, perform an ultrasonic shear wave inspection of the blade tulip in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 568F-61-A35, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2002, and remove blades with unacceptable indications in accordance with the ASB. Optional Terminating Action (i) Replacement of propeller blades, P/N R815505-2, with propeller blades, P/N R81505R2; or propeller blades, P/N R815505-3, with propeller blades, P/N R815505R3, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (j) 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, Boston ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Boston ACO. Special Flight Permits (k) Special limited flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) for a nonrevenue flight to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference (l) The actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin No. 568F-61-A35, Revision 2, dated March 21, 2002. 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 Propeller Technical Team, One Hamilton Road, Mail Stop 1-3-AB43, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1010, U.S.A.; Fax 1-860-654-5107. 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 (m) This amendment becomes effective August 9, 2002. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 15, 2002. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-18481 Filed 7-24-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P