Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Fairchild Model FH-227 series airplanes. This proposal would require revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit positioning the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, and to add a statement of the consequences of such positioning of the power levers. This proposal is prompted by incidents and accidents involving airplanes equipped with turboprop engines in which the propeller ground beta range was used improperly during flight. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent loss of airplane controllability, or engine overspeed and consequent loss of engine power caused by the power levers being positioned below the flight idle stop when the airplane is in flight.