AD 2003-06-03 Airworthiness Directives; General Electric Aircraft Engines CT7 Series Turboprop Engines

This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CT7 series turboprop engines, with propeller gearboxes (PGBs) identified by serial number (SN) in Table 1 of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Service Bulletin CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001. These engines are installed on but not limited to SAAB 340 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 (f) 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 separation of PGB left-hand and right-hand idler gears, which could result in uncontained PGB failure and internal bulkhead damage, possibly prohibiting the auxiliary feathering system from fully feathering the propeller on certain PGBs, do the following: (a) Inspect the PGB oil filter impending bypass button (IBB) for extension in accordance with the following schedule: (1) Initially inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (2) Thereafter, inspect each operational day. (b) If the PGB oil filter IBB is extended, replace the oil filter and perform follow-on inspections in accordance with 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Service Bulletin CT7-TP S/B 72-0453, dated July 27, 2001. (c) At the next return of the PGB to a CT7 turboprop overhaul facility after the effective date of this AD, replace left-hand and right-hand idler gears in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Service Bulletin CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001. (d) If the PGB is mated to a Hamilton Standard propeller and the left-hand and right-hand idler gears have not been replaced in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Service Bulletin CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, replace the PGB before accumulating an additional 2,000 engine flight hours after the effective date of this AD. Terminating Action (e) Replacement of left-hand and right-hand idler gears in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD, or replacement of the PGB in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) 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 (g) Special flight permits may be issued only for an airplane that has not more than one engine with a PGB oil filter IBB extended, to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference (h) The inspections must be done in accordance with the following General Electric Aircraft Engines service bulletins (SBs): Document No. Pages Revision Date SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452 Total Pages: 12 All Original July 27, 2001 SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0453 Total Pages: 5 All Original July 27, 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 General Electric Aircraft Engines CT7 Series Turboprop Engines, 1000 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01910; telephone (781) 594-3140, fax (781) 594-4805. Copies may be inspected 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 (i) This amendment becomes effective on April 24, 2003. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 12, 2003. Mark C. Fulmer, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-6505 Filed 3-19-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P