AD/PHZL/87

Propeller Thrust Bearings

6/2007

Applicability:

Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) propellers.

The parentheses appearing in the propeller model number indicates the presence or absence of an additional letter(s) that varies the basic propeller model.  This AD still applies regardless of whether these letters are present or absent in the propeller model designation.

Note 1:  These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D aeroplanes.

Requirement:

Inspect and rework the propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust bearing for each blade, in accordance with paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2 dated 24 October 2006 or later FAA approved revision.

Although Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment Instructions, to install new blade thrust bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new blade thrust bearings.

For the purpose of this AD, next propeller disassembly is defined as any maintenance requiring separating of the propeller hub halves.

Previous credit is allowed for inspections, rework, and replacements that were done using the Original or Revision 1 of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, before the effective date of this AD.

Note 2:  FAA AD 2007-08-02 Amdt 39-15019 dated 3 April 2007 refers.

Compliance:

For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours time-since-overhaul (TSO), within 100 operating hours after the effective date of this AD, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 additional operating hours time-in-service.

For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO,  at the next propeller disassembly, thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 additional operating hours time-in-service.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 7 June 2007.

Background:

This AD results from reports of excessive propeller vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust bearings found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly.  The issuing of this AD is to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the aeroplane, and possible loss of aeroplane control.