AD 79-10-02 ACTIVE

79-10-02 SHORT BROTHERS LIMITED: Amendment 39-3457. Applies to Model SD3-30 airplanes, S/N SH3002 through SH3019, certificated in all categories, which have low blade angle pitch mechanism support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0784, or P/N SD3-49-0784xB installed.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent propeller blade angle from increasing beyond the flight setting, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 30 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, remove each low blade angle pitch mechanism support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0784 or P/N SD3- 49-0784xB, and inspect it for cracks using the dye penetrant procedure or an equivalent FAA- approved procedure, in accordance with paragraph 2.A., "Accomplishment Instructions", of Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3-61-A05, dated August 2, 1978, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(b) Within the next 300 hours time in service after bracket reinstallation in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this AD or bracket replacement in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 300 hours from the last inspection, visually inspect support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0784 or P/N SD3-49-0784xB, for cracks in accordance with paragraph 2.A.10 of the Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3-61- A05 dated August 2, 1978, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(c) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, no cracks are found

(1) Reinstall support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0784 or P/N SD3-49-0784xB in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3-61-A05 dated August 2, 1978, or an FAA-approved equivalent and accomplish the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD; or

(2) Install a modified support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0902 or P/N SD3-49- 0902xA in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3-61-05 dated September 27, 1978, or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa and Middle East Region.

(d) If, during any inspection required by this AD, any cracks are found, remove the cracked bracket from service and -

(1) Replace the cracked support bracket with a crack-free, new or used support bracket of the same part number, and accomplish the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. (Before installation of a used support bracket, inspect it in accordance with the method specified in paragraph (a) of this AD to ensure that it is crack-free); or

(2) Replace the cracked bracket with a modified support bracket, P/N SD3- 49-0902 or P/N SD3-49-0902xA, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3- 61-05 dated September 27, 1978, or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa and Middle East Region.

(e) Upon installation of a modified support bracket, P/N SD3-49-0902 or P/N SD3- 49-0902xA, in accordance with Short Brothers Service Bulletin No. SD3-61-05 dated September 27, 1978, or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Region, inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be discontinued.

(f) Upon request of an operator, the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa and Middle East Region, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium, may adjust the repetitive inspection interval specified in paragraph (b) of this AD or approve modifications equivalent to that specified in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this AD provided that such requests are made through an FAA maintenance inspector and the request contains substantiating data to justify the request for that operator.

This amendment becomes effective May 14, 1979.