Cessna 150-152 Club

97-06-16 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-9973. Docket No. 97-ANE-06. Supersedes Priority Letter AD 95-21-01.

Applicability: McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers with numeric serial number 770001 through 777390; and propellers with alpha-numeric serial number BC001 up to, but not including KC001; installed on but not limited to Cessna 152, Cessna A152, Reims F152, and Reims FA152 series aircraft. All alpha-numeric serial number propellers beginning with the letters “B” through “J” are affected by this AD

Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each propeller identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For propellers 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 (b) 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 the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of control of the aircraft, accomplish the following:

(a) Inspect propellers, and rework or replace with a serviceable part, as necessary, in accordance with Sections II and III of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 221B, dated December 16, 1996, as follows:

(1) For propellers with 3,000 or more hours time-in-service (TIS), or unknown TIS, on the effective date of this AD, as follows:

(i) Perform an initial dye penetrant inspection in accordance with Section II of the ASB within 50 hours TIS since last visual inspection performed in accordance with priority letter AD 95-21-01.

(ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections in accordance with Section II of the ASB at intervals not to exceed 800 hours TIS, or 12 calendar months since last dye penetrant inspection, whichever occurs first.

(iii) If cracks are discovered that are not within the rework limits described in Section III of the ASB, prior to further flight remove the propeller from service and replace with a serviceable part.

(iv) If cracks are discovered that are within the rework limits described in Section III of the ASB, prior to further flight rework the propeller in accordance with Section III of the SB, and resume inspecting repetitively in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.

(2) For propellers with less than 3,000 hours TIS on the effective date of this AD, upon accumulating 3,000 hours TIS perform the steps required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv) of this AD.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The actions required by this AD shall be accomplished in accordance with the following McCauley Propeller Systems ASB:

This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McCauley Propeller Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, P.O. Drawer 5053, Vandalia, OH 45377-5053; telephone (513) 890-5246, fax (513) 890-6001. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.

(e) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 95-21-01, issued September 29, 1995.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 24, 1997