2002-25-09: Overturn skid plate

2002-25-09 Air Tractor, Inc.: Amendment 39-12985; Docket No. 2000- CE-60-AD. (a) What airplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following airplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category; Models Serial Nos. AT-250, AT-300, AT-301, AT-302, AT-400, AT- 400A, AT-401, AT-401A, AT-402, and AT- 402A. AT-501, AT-502, and AT-502A. All through 0829. All through 0147. (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the airplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD. (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the possibility of dirt or mud penetrating the cockpit in case of an aircraft overturn. Such mud and dirt penetration into the cockpit could lead to pilot asphyxia or injury. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following: Actions Compliance Procedures Install overturn skid plate, part number (P/N) 11411-1-500, or FAA-approved equivalent P/N. Within the next 180 days after February 10, 2003 (the effective date of this AD), unless already accomplished. In accordance with Snow Engineering CompanyService Letter #97, dated March 23, 1991, Revised October 3, 2000, and the applicable maintenance manual. (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and (2) The Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth ACO. Note: This AD applies to each airplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150; telephone: (817) 222-5156; facsimile: (817) 222-5960. (g) What if I need to fly the airplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of theFederal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your airplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Snow Engineering Company Service Letter 97, dated March 23, 1991, Revised October 3, 2000. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from Air Tractor, Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on February 10, 2003.