AD 2003-04-22

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HD-E6C-3B/E13890K propellers with certain serial numbers of model D-1199-2 Propeller Control Units (PCU's) installed, as listed in Table 1 of this AD. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to Fairchild Dornier GmbH 328-100 series airplanes.

Note 1:

This airworthiness directive (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 (g) 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: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already done.

To prevent below-limit flight idle propeller blade angles that, if not corrected, could result in degraded aircraft performance and control, do the following:

(a) On PCU's listed by serial number in the following Table 1 of this AD, at the next “2A” maintenance check, but no later than 600 hours time-in-service from the effective date of this AD, perform an initial flight idle blade angle inspection, in accordance with paragraph 2A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Service Bulletin (SB) No. HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000. Table 1 follows:

(b) Remove PCU's that fail the inspection in paragraph (a) of this AD and perform a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell SB No. HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, or replace with a serviceable PCU.

(c) Thereafter, at each successive “4A” maintenance check, but not to exceed 1,200 hours time-in-service, perform the flight idle blade angle inspection until the limiting time-since-overhaul or time-since-new is reached, as specified in Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000.

(d) Remove PCU's that fail the inspection in paragraph (c) of this AD and perform a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of Hartzell SB No. HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, or replace with a serviceable PCU.

(e) Once the limiting time-since-overhaul or time-since-new specified in Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000 is reached, remove the PCU from service and perform a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000.

(f) Replacement with a serviceable PCU is terminating action for the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable PCU is one that is not listed in Table 1 of this AD, or is one listed in Table 1 of this AD that has undergone a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) after November 17, 2000, in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000.

(g) 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). An alternative method of compliance to Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, is compliance with Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, dated November 17, 2000. 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 2:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the ACO.

(h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 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.

(i) The inspections must be done in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000. 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) 778-4391. 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.

(j) This amendment becomes effective on April 4, 2003.