Shorts SD3-30 / SD3-60

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers PLC Model SD3 Airplanes

We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes

We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes

The FAA is superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs), which apply to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. One of the ADs currently requires inspection of the welded joints of the balance weight brackets for the elevator trim tabs for cracking; repetitive inspections, as applicable; and corrective actions including the eventual replacement of all brackets. The other AD currently requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the balance weight brackets and replacement of any cracked bracket, and provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD requires an additional inspection to detect cracks of the balance weight brackets, applicable related investigative and corrective actions, and replacement of a certain balance weight bracket when it has reached its maximum life limit. This AD results from a report indicating that several reworked balance weight brackets have exhibited signs of premature failure. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs, which could cause loss of the balance weight. This could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes Equipped with an Auxiliary Fuel Tank System Installed in Accordance With Supplemental Type Certificate SA00404AT

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. This AD requires deactivation of auxiliary fuel tank systems installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate SA00404AT. This AD results from fuel tank system review requirements done in accordance with Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (SFAR 88), which identified potential unsafe conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3 airplanes. This AD requires installing additional fuel tank bonding jumpers, performing an in-place resistance check of the float switches, inspecting certain internal components of the fuel tanks, and performing related corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, and to the airplane flight manual procedures for operation during icing conditions and fuel system failures. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which could lead to fire or explosion.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the fork end of the rear pintle pin on each main landing gear (MLG) to verify that sealant is properly applied and is undamaged, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires an additional inspection for correctly applied sealant on the MLG rear pintle pin assemblies, and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD also expands the applicability of the existing AD. This AD results from a new report of a cracked pintle pin fork end. We are issuing this AD to prevent stress-corrosion cracking and subsequent failure of the MLG.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 airplanes equipped with certain fire extinguishers. That AD currently requires replacement of the covers for fire extinguisher adapter assemblies that are installed on certain bulkheads with new covers that swivel to lock the extinguishers in place; and replacement of nozzles and triggers on these fire extinguishers with better fitting nozzles and stronger triggers. The existing AD also currently requires the installation of new fire extinguisher point placards and a revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to instruct the flightcrew in the use of the new covers for these adapter assemblies. This new AD also requires modification of the fire extinguishing point adapter assembly of the forward and aft baggage bays as applicable. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. For these new airplanes, this new AD requires a revision to the AFM for instructions on using the new fire extinguisher adapter. This AD results from reports of individuals experiencing fire extinguishant blowback when the extinguishant discharges through the fire extinguishing point adapters. We are issuing this AD to prevent fire extinguishant blowback, which could result in injury to a person using the fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the rudder for damage, an inspection of the balance weight attachment for discrepancies, an inspection of the rudder horn spar and cleats for cracking and corrosion, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from events in which fatigue cracking was found on the rudder horn spar. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking and corrosion of the rudder horn spar, which could lead to detachment of the mass balance weight of the rudder. The detachment of the mass balance weight could jam or restrict the movement of the rudder, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. Loss of a mass balance weight could also damage other parts of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, or could result in an injury to a person or damage to property on the ground.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes, that requires performing repetitive inspections of the shear attachment fittings of the vertical stabilizer for corrosion, and performing corrective actions if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the area of the main spar web fittings of the vertical stabilizer, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the balance weight brackets of the elevator trim tabs, and replacement of any cracked bracket with a new or reworked bracket that conforms to the approved design standard. This AD also provides for an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by reports indicating that balance weight brackets have been found cracked on both the left and right elevator trim tabs. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the balance weight bracket for the elevator trim tab, which could cause loss of the balance weight. This could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3- SHERPA series airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the gland nut on the shock absorber of the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on actions. That AD also requires repair or replacement of any cracked/corroded gland nut with a new nut. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability; adds repetitive inspections and corrective actions; and provides an optional action that ends the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by reports of cracked aluminum alloy gland nuts that had been inspected previously using the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the aluminum alloy gland nut on the MLG shock absorber, which could cause the MLG to collapse.

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly Hartzell Propeller Products Division) Model HC-B5MP-3( )/M10282A( )+6 Five Bladed Propellers

The FAA is superseding an existing AD for certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly Hartzell Propeller Products Division) Model HC-B5MP-3( )/M10282A( )+6 five bladed propellers. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive torque check inspections on the attach bolts on certain model Hartzell HC-B5MP-3 five bladed propellers, and replacement of attach bolts if necessary. This AD requires the same inspections, but reduces compliance time for the initial inspection on certain Short Brothers Ltd. Model SD3-30 airplanes to before further flight and within 100 hours time-in-service for propellers installed on certain Aerospatiale (Nord) Model 262A airplanes. This AD also requires repetitive torque check inspections at reduced intervals on SD3-30 airplanes, and requires additional visual inspections of mounting flanges, and threads in hub bolt holes, and replacement of attach bolts and hubs, if necessary. This AD results from four reports in the last 12 months of eleven cracked or failed propeller attach bolts on Short Brothers Model SD3-30 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller separation from the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes, that requires installing a new warning annunciator light on the central warning panel and revising the Normal Procedures Section of the Aircraft Flight Manual to provide the flightcrew with procedures related to the new light. This action is necessary to prevent an engine shut-down in icing conditions, which could result in loss of control of the airplane and consequent injury to flightcrew and passengers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes. This AD requires testing for stiffness of the aft pintle pin bushing of the main landing gear (MLG), and inspecting and measuring the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG for damage, and for out-of-limit dimensions of the bushing bore. This AD also requires corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct corrosion and deterioration of the aft pintle pin bushings of the MLG. Corrosion and deterioration of the bushings, if not detected and corrected, could result in the MLG not extending fully during landing, with consequent damage to the airplane structure. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes. This AD requires inspection of the welded joints of the balance weight brackets for the left and right elevator trim tabs for cracking; repetitive inspections, as applicable; and corrective actions including the eventual replacement of all brackets, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent the loss of the balance weight for the elevator trim tab, which could result in incorrect trim during takeoff and landing, and reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections and torque tests for discrepancies of certain bolts and rivets; and related investigative and corrective actions. This action is necessary to detect and correct loose bolts that attach the vertical stabilizer to the horizontal stabilizer, and pulled or loose rivets in the upper shear angles, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical stabilizer. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a repetitive detailed inspection of the stub wing shear decks for corrosion and abnormal wear on and around the retaining pin in the main landing gear (MLG) forward pintle pin; and corrective action, if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action. These actions are necessary to detect and correct corrosion and abnormal wear to the top and bottom shear decks, which could result in damage to the MLG and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane on landing. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K Propellers

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K propellers, installed on Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive removal, disassembly, inspection, and rework if necessary of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K propellers until blades are replaced with new design blades, no later than March 31, 1988. This ad requires installation of new design blades before further flight, on Hartzell Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-3C/ M10876K propellers. This AD supersedure is prompted by a review of all currently effective ADs, which found that AD 87-16-02 was not published in the Federal Register to make it effective to all operators, as opposed to just the operators who received actual notice of the original AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation near the hub, which could result in engine separation from the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3- SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the wiring harness and power cables of the heated windshield to detect inadequate clearance, inadequate support, or chafing. This amendment also requires corrective action (including re-routing for adequate clearance or replacing damaged cables, as applicable), if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing or damage of the power cables of the heated windshield, which could cause arcing and result in smoke and fire in the cockpit. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the installation of the bearing housings of the elevator torque shaft assembly, and corrective action if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the elevator torque shaft, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes, that requires repetitive tests (checks) of the engine power lever to ensure that the fuel control unit (FCU) lever is contacting the maximum stop, adjustment of the FCU rigging, if necessary, and an engine ground run for correct gas generator rotational speed. This AD also requires a static reduced power check on each engine to ensure correct operation of the reserve takeoff power (RTOP) system; and follow-on actions, if necessary. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the engines to reach adequate RTOP boost during takeoff, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers Model SD3 series airplanes, that requires an inspection to find discrepancies of the hydraulic pipelines to the 7P panel and adjacent electrical wiring harnesses, and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to find and fix such discrepancies, which could result in electrical arcing between the hydraulic lines and adjacent wiring, and a potential fire. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-SHERPA, SD3- 30, and SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires replacement of the existing pneumatic de-icing boot pressure indicator switch with a newly designed switch. This amendment is prompted by an occurrence on a similar airplane model in which the pneumatic de-icing boot indication light may have provided the flightcrew with misleading information as to the proper functioning of the de-icing boots. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent ice accumulation on the airplane leading edges, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time visual inspection to determine the part number of the power control cable assemblies and pulleys of the engine controls; and replacement of the power control cable assemblies and pulleys (as applicable) with new parts, if necessary. This amendment requires accomplishment of the inspection and replacement in accordance with revised procedures. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent breakage of the power control cable assemblies due to the inflexible construction of the cable, which could result in loss of engine power and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires affixing a label containing revised engine limitations on the ditching hatch, and revising the airplane flight manual to reflect the revised engine limitations. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the use of incorrect engine limitations, which could result in an overspeed of the propellers and potential for blade failure.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-30 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, and certain Model SD3-30 series airplanes, that requires replacement of existing oxygen system "O" rings with improved wear-resistant "O" rings. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the loss of oxygen from the aircraft oxygen system, which could result in an insufficient supply of oxygen being provided to the airplane flight crew and passengers in the event of an emergency.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3- SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes.

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include requirements for activation of the airframe pneumatic deicing boots. This amendment is prompted by reports of inflight incidents and an accident that occurred in icing conditions where the airframe pneumatic deicing boots were not activated. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that flightcrews activate the pneumatic wing and tail deicing boots at the first signs of ice accumulation. This action will prevent reduced controllability of the aircraft due to adverse aerodynamic effects of ice adhering to the airplane prior to the first deicing cycle.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections of the elevator trim control cables for signs of wear damage or broken wires; replacement of damaged or broken cables with certain new cables; and replacement of all 7 x 7 cables with 7 x 19 cables. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the elevator trim cable due to fatigue cracking, which if not corrected, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3 SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3 SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a visual inspection to detect corrosion of the shear decks and ribs of the left and right stub wings; follow-on corrective actions, if necessary; and drilling of new drain holes in the lower shear decks. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent corrosion of the stub wing shear decks and ribs, which could result in cracking or failure of the stub wing structure.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires detailed visual and borescopic inspections to detect corrosion of the engine mounting tube assembly, and replacement of corroded parts with new or serviceable parts. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the engine mounting tube assembly, which could result in loss of the engine in flight.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3- 30, and SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires replacement of the existing bolts that secure the elevator control torque tube bearing housing retaining plate with hex head bolts. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent reduced movement of the elevator controls and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, as a result of bolts coming loose on the elevator control torque tube bearing housing retaining plate.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3-30, and SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-SHERPA, SD3-60 SHERPA, SD3- 30, and SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires a one-time detailed visual inspection of the emergency brake accumulator mounting structure for evidence of cracking; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the mounting angle that supports the emergency brake system due to cracking, which could result in loss of the emergency brake system.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Short Brothers Model SD3-30 series airplanes, that requires modification of electrical wiring associated with heater components. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the autofeather system, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane in the event of engine failure during takeoff.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion and/or wear of the top and bottom shear decks of the left and right stub wings in the area of the forward pintle pin of the main landing gear (MLG), and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion and/or wear of the top and bottom shear decks of the left and right stub wings in the area of the forward pintle pin of the MLG, which could result in failure of the MLG to extend or retract.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to determine the part number of the power control cable assemblies and pulleys of the engine controls; and replacement of the power control cable assemblies and pulleys (as applicable) with new parts, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent breakage of the power control cable assemblies due to the inflexible construction of the cable, which could result in loss of engine power and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-60 SHERPA, and SD3 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires repetitive visual inspections of the flap levers and bracket assembly of the inner flap sub-assembly of the left and right wings to detect certain discrepancies; and corrective actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct failure of the levers and bracket assembly, which could result in uncommanded retraction of the inner flap assembly and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires an initial cleaning and visual inspection of the distance piece and adjacent side plates of the fuselage wing strut pick-up of the left- and right-stub wings to detect corrosion; rework or replacement of damaged components; and, for certain conditions, follow- on repetitive cleaning and visual inspections of reworked components. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion of the distance piece and adjacent side plates, which could result in reduced strength of the wing strut attachment to the stub wing on the fuselage, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the main wing.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect discrepancies of certain diode mounting assemblies on specified electrical panels; follow-on actions; and repair or replacement with serviceable components, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent overheating and possible failure of certain electrical diodes, which could result in loss of electrical service to one or more airplane electrical circuits.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, SD3-SHERPA, and SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes. This amendment requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to modify the limitation that prohibits positioning the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, and to provide a statement of the consequences of positioning the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight. This amendment is prompted by incidents and accidents involving airplanes equipped with turboprop engines in which the ground propeller beta range was used improperly during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of airplane controllability, or engine overspeed and consequent loss of engine power caused by the power levers being positioned below the flight idle stop while the airplane is in flight.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 Series Airplanes Equipped With Fire Fighting Enterprises (U.K.) Ltd. Fire Extinguishers

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Shorts Model SD3-30 and SD3-60 series airplanes equipped with certain fire extinguishers, that requires replacement of the covers for fire extinguisher adapter assemblies that are installed on certain bulkheads with new covers that swivel to lock the extinguishers in place; and replacement of nozzles and triggers on these fire extinguishers with better fitting nozzles and stronger triggers. It also requires the installation of new fire extinguisher point placards and a revision of the Airplane Flight Manual to instruct the flight crew in the use of the new covers for these adapter assemblies. This amendment is prompted by reports that these fire extinguishers are not discharging properly because they do not fit correctly with the adapter, and that triggers on these extinguishers are failing. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that, in the event of fire in the baggage bay, extinguishing agent is properly distributed within this area, and portable extinguishers operate properly; and to prevent injury to crew and passengers when a portable extinguisher is discharged.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA and SD3 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires removing the aluminum alloy oxygen pipe assembly and replacing it with a stainless steel assembly. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent aluminum oxygen tubing from bursting and releasing a high- pressure oxygen flow into the passenger cabin, which could result in a fire hazard during flight.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 series airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection to measure the depth of the skin flutes of the skin panels of the rudder and elevators, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, due to a manufacturing process error, the depth of certain skin flutes of the rudder and elevators is less than the design specification. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent structural damage and/or loss of the rudder or elevators if the airplane is operated under ultimate load conditions, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Shorts Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Shorts Model SD3-60 and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect cracks and/or corrosion of the gland nut on the shock absorber of the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on actions. This amendment also requires repair or replacement of any cracked/corroded gland nut with a new nut. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that, due to stress corrosion and cracking of the gland nut on the shock absorber, the MLG collapsed on an in-service airplane. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct such stress corrosion or cracking in a timely manner and consequent reduced structural integrity of the gland nut, which could result in separation of the shock absorber cylinder from the MLG shock absorber body and consequently, lead to the collapse of the MLG during landing.

Airworthiness Directives; Shorts Model SD3-30, -60, and -SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Shorts Model SD3-30, -60, and -SHERPA series airplanes, that requires a visual inspection to detect signs of exfoliation corrosion on the brackets of the flap hydraulic units, and rework or replacement of corroded brackets. This amendment is prompted by a report that exfoliation corrosion was found on the brackets of the flap hydraulic units. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such corrosion, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the brackets of the flap hydraulic units, which could result in the loss of the flap control and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3- SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30 and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, that requires inspections of the vertical fin-to-tailplane joint to detect any loose bolts; and, if necessary, inspections to detect elongation of bolt holes, and replacement with new bolts, if necessary. Additionally, this amendment requires inspections of the upper shear angle to detect pulled or loose rivets, and replacement of the shear angle using new rivets, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of loose bolts in the vertical fin-to-tailplane joint and pulled or loose rivets in an upper shear angle. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent reduced structural integrity of the vertical fin to tailplane joint due to such discrepancies of the bolts or rivets.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-60 SHERPA series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions, and to limit or prohibit the use of various flight control devices. This amendment is prompted by results of a review of the requirements for certification of the airplane in icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing data provided currently to the flight crews. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the airplane in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions.

Airworthiness Directives; Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, and SD3-SHERPA Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Short Brothers Model SD3-30, SD3-60, and SD3-SHERPA series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions, and to limit or prohibit the use of various flight control devices. This amendment is prompted by results of a review of the requirements for certification of the airplane in icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing data provided currently to the flight crews. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the airplane in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions.