Summary
This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Mitsubishi) MU-2B series airplanes. The earlier NPRM would have required you to repetitively inspect the cockpit windshield and cabin window surfaces for damage (damage would be defined as crazing, scratches, and cracks). If any of the windshield or window surfaces have damage that exceeds certain limits, the proposed AD would have required you to replace the windshield or window. If the damage does not exceed certain limits, then the proposed AD would have allowed you to blend out the damage following maintenance manual procedures. The earlier NPRM resulted from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Japan. The manufacturer has issued revision C to the current service information and issued service information applicable to additional MU-2B model airplanes. The manufacturer hasalso informed us that they will not provide replacement parts free of charge. Since these actions impose an additional burden over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these additional actions.