AD 2009-11-04 Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Corporation AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J Turboprop Engines

This AD applies to Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A, AE 2100D3, and AE 2100J turboprop engines with certain serial number (SN) propeller gearbox (PGB) shaft-and-carrier assemblies installed. These engines are U.S. type-certificated but as of the effective date of this AD are only installed on military airplanes. For the SNs affected, see the Effectivity section of the applicable service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1—Applicable Lists of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier Assemblies For engine model: Reference service bulletin: AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A AE 2100D2-A-72-073, Revision 1, dated February 18, 2008. AE 2100D3 AE 2100D3-A-72-256, Revision 1, dated February 18, 2008. AE 2100J AE 2100J-A-72-071, Revision 1, dated February 18, 2008. These engines are U.S. type-certificated and are installed on, but not limited to, Lockheed Martin C130-J and Lockheed/Alenia C-27J military airplanes.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. Monitoring for PGB Vibration During Flight (f) During flight, monitor affected engines for vibration in the PGB shaft and carrier assemblies, using the vibration monitoring system in the cockpit. (g) Whenever a vibration message is displayed on the airplane's Advisory Caution and Warning System, borescope-inspect the PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly for cracks, before any additional flights. (h) If any crack is found, remove the engine from service. (i) Guidance on borescope-inspecting, vibration monitoring, and fault isolation procedures can be found in the applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD. Table 2—Information on Borescope-Inspecting, Vibration Monitoring, and Fault Isolation Procedures For engine model: Reference service bulletin: AE 2100D2, AE 2100D2A AE 2100D2-A-72-074, dated April 7, 2008. AE 2100D3 AE 2100D3-A-72-258, dated April 7, 2008. AE 2100J AE 2100J-A-72-070, dated September 17, 2007. AE 2100J-A-72-073, dated October 11, 2007. Terminating Action—Removal of Affected PGB Shaft-and-Carrier Assemblies (j) At the next shop visit for PGB inspection or repair after the effective date of this AD, remove the affected PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly from service and install an eligible PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly. (k) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any PGB shaft and carrier assembly in any aircraft if it was removed for cracks. Definition (l) For the purpose of this AD, a PGB shaft-and-carrier assembly is eligible for installation if it was manufactured after June 2005, or if it is P/N 23087076 or P/N 23087077. Alternative Methods of

This AD results from a report of a crack found in the forward cone of a PGB shaft in an RRC AE 2100D3 turboprop engine that was removed from service due to high vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller from the airplane, which could result in injury, and damage to the airplane.