AD 2007-16-11 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 Airplanes Equipped With Dowty Type R.352 or R.410 Series Propellers

Makes named: dowty. Models named: F27 Mark 050. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Fokker Model F27 Mark 050 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with Dowty Type R.352 or R.410 series propellers.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Identification of Affected Boots/Repetitive Inspections/Replacement (f) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Check the maintenance records to determine whether 3M 1300L adhesive was used to attach the de-icer assembly boots to the propeller blades. (1) If 3M 1300L adhesive was not used: No further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If 3M 1300L adhesive was used, or the type of adhesive cannot be determined: Within 650 flight hours, do a general visual inspection for signs of lifting or bubbling of the adhesive in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Dowty Service Bulletin F50-61-158, including Appendix 1, dated September 30, 2005. (i) If no signs of lifting or bubbling are found: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 650 flight hours. (ii) If any signs of lifting or bubbling are found: Before further flight, replace the affected de-icer assembly boot in accordance with Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.” Parts Installation (g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may use 3M 1300L adhesive to attach a boot to the propeller blade, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Related Information (i) Dutch airworthiness directive NL-2005-016, dated December 16, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Dowty Service Bulletin F50-61-158, including Appendix 1, dated September 30, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Fokker Services B.V., Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231, 2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 10 [FR Doc. E7-15417 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from three events of propeller blade de-icer assembly overshoes (boots) debonding and detaching during flight. This condition was caused by using Minnesota Mining and Manufacture Co. (3M) 1300L adhesive to attach the boots to the propeller blade. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct boots attached with defective adhesive, which could result in debonding and separation of a boot from the airplane, consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and possible injury to passengers and crew.