2004-07-09: PGB oil filter impending bypass button (IBB)

2004-07-09 General Electric Aircraft Engines: Amendment 39-13553. Docket No. 99-NE-48-AD. Supersedes AD 2003-06-03, Amendment 39- 13090. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective May 11, 2004. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-06-03, Amendment 39-13090. Applicability (c) This AD applies to General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE) CT7 series turboprop engines, with propeller gearboxes (PGBs) identified by serial number (SN) in Table 1 of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Service Bulletin (SB) CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, and Table 1 of GEAE CT7 Turboprop Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) CT7-TP S/ B 72-A0466, dated April 17, 2003. These engines are installed on but not limited to SAAB 340 series airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of PGBs equipped with certain gears that do not meet design specifications, resulting in the same failure addressed in the AD being superseded. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation ofPGB left-hand and right-hand idler gears, which could result in uncontained PGB failure and internal bulkhead damage, possibly prohibiting the auxiliary feathering system from fully feathering the propeller on certain PGBs. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. (f) Inspect the PGB oil filter impending bypass button (IBB) for extension using the following schedule: (1) Initially inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (2) Thereafter, inspect each operational day. The flight crew may inspect the PGB oil filter IBB for extension if maintenance personnel are not available. (g) If the PGB oil filter IBB is extended, replace the oil filter and perform follow-on inspections, using paragraph 3.A of the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72- 0453, dated July 27, 2001. (h) At the next return of the PGB to a CT7 turboprop overhaul facility after the effective date of this AD, replace left-hand and right-hand idler gears. Use the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001 to replace the gears. (i) If the PGB is mated to a Hamilton Standard propeller and the left-hand and right-hand idler gears have not been replaced using the Accomplishment Instructions of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, replace the PGB before accumulating an additional 2,000 engine flight hours after April 24, 2003, the effective date of AD 2003-06-03. PGB Oil Filter IBB Inspection, Authorization (j) For GEAE CT7 series turboprop engines, in exception to the limitations imposed by Sec. 43.3 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3), a flight crew member holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD. You must record completion of the inspections in the airplane records to show compliance with this AD, in accordance with 43.9 and 91.417(a)(2)(v) of the Federal Aviation Regulations 14 CFR 43.9 and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). You must also maintain the records as required by the applicable Federal Aviation Regulation. Terminating Action (k) Replacement of left-hand and right-hand idler gears using paragraph (h) of this AD, or replacement of the PGB using paragraph (i) of this AD constitutes terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Definition (l) For the purpose of this AD, an operational day is defined as a day during which the airplane has flown for any reason. Alternative Methods of Compliance (m) The Manager, Engine Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Special Flight Permits (n) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight permits for this AD by allowing the operation of an airplane that does not have more than one engine with a PGB oil filter IBB extended to a location where the requirements of this AD can be done. Material Incorporated by Reference (o) You must use the service information specified in Table 1 to perform the inspections and replacements required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452, dated July 27, 2001, and GEAE CT7 Turboprop SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0453, dated July 27, 2001, as of April 24, 2003 (68 FR 13618, March 20, 2003). The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of GEAE CT7 Turboprop ASB CT7-TP S/B 72-A0466, dated April 17, 2003 in accordance with 5 U.S.C.552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from General Electric Aircraft Engines, CT7 Series Turboprop Engines, 1000 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01910; telephone (781)594-3140, fax (781) 594-4805. You may review copies 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. Table 1 follows: Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference Service bulletin No. Page Revision Date SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0452 Total Pages: 12. ALL ............................................... Original ......................................... July 27, 2001. SB CT7-TP S/B 72-0453 Total Pages: 5. ALL ............................................... Original ......................................... July 27, 2001. ASB CT7-TP S/B 72-A0466 Total Pages: 7. ALL ............................................... Original ......................................... April 17, 2003. Related Information (p) None.