AD 2002-22-08 Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc., Model HD-E6C-3( ) Propellers

Makes named: hartzell. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HD-E6C-3( ) propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to Fairchild Dornier GmbH 328-100 series airplanes. Note 1: The parentheses indicate the presence or absence of an additional letter(s) which vary the basic propeller blade model designation. This AD still applies regardless of whether these letters are present or absent on the propeller blade model designation. Note 2: 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 (d) 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 as indicated, unless already done. To prevent loss of aircraft control due to loss of blade pitch control, inability to fully feather the propeller, hub fracture, and blade release, do the following: Replacement of Propeller Blade Thrust Bearings (a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, or nine months after the effective date of this AD, or when the propeller is next disassembled after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earliest, do the following: (1) Replace all propeller blade thrust bearings, part numbers (P/N's) C-2882-1, C-2882-2, and C-7075, with thrust bearings P/N C-7438, in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) HD-SB-61-026, dated August 6, 2001. (2) Perform a visual inspection of the propeller hub for cracks, in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) HD-ASB-61-023, Revision 1, dated May 23, 2001. Before further flight, remove from service cracked propeller hubs and replace with a serviceable hub. (3) Perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for cracks, in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell ASB HD-ASB-61-023, Revision 1, dated May 23, 2001. Before further flight, remove from service cracked propeller hubs and replace with a serviceable hub. (b) Propellers that have had blade thrust bearings replaced using Hartzell ASB HD-ASB-61-026, dated August 6, 2001, or Hartzell Service Letter HD-SL-61-034, dated May 7, 2001, are considered to be in compliance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. (c) After the effective date of this AD, do not install propeller blade thrust bearings P/N's C-2882-1, C-2882-2, or C-7075 into any HD-E6C-3( ) Hartzell propeller models. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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, Chicago 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, Chicago ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO. Special Flight Permits (e) 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 done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference (f) The replacement and inspections must be done in accordance with the following Hartzell service bulletin and alert service bulletins:   Document No. Pages Revision Date ASB HD-ASB-61-023 All 1 May 23, 2001. Total pages: 11 ASB HD-ASB-61-026 All Original Aug. 6, 2001. Total pages: 8 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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., Technical Publications Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone: (937) 778-4200; fax: (937) 778-4365. 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 (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 19, 2002. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 25, 2002. Francis A. Favara, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-27739 Filed 11-1-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P