AD 97-25-02 Airworthiness Directives; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries MU-2B Series Airplanes

Models named: MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, MU-2B-20, MU- 2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, MU-2B-36A. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Models MU-2B, MU-2B-10, MU-2B-15, MU-2B-20, MU- 2B-25, MU-2B-26, MU-2B-30, MU-2B-35, MU-2B-36, MU-2B-36A, MU-2B-40, and MU-2B-60 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane 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 airplanes 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 (e) 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.

Required within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent loss of airplane control or engine overspeed with consequent loss of engine power caused by the power levers being positioned below the flight idle stop while the airplane is in flight, accomplish the following: (a) Amend the Limitations Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) by inserting the following language: Positioning of power levers below the flight idle stop while the airplane is in flight is prohibited. Such positioning may lead to loss of airplane control or may result in an overspeed condition and consequent loss of engine power. (b) This action may be accomplished by incorporating a copy of this AD into the Limitations Section of the AFM. (c) Amending the AFM, as required by this AD, may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (d) 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 accomplished. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, Kansas. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Wichita ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita ACO. (f) Information related to this AD may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. (g) This amendment (39-10225) becomes effective on January 21, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 25, 1997. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-31675 Filed 12-2-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U