Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-17655 · Powerplant
Aermacchi S.p.A. Airplanes
This AD applies to the following AERMACCHI S.p.A. airplanes that are certificated in any category:
(1) Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F airplanes, all serial numbers, that are equipped with either a Lycoming O-540, IO-540, or AEIO-540 wide cylinder flange engine (identified by the suffix “A” or “E” in the serial number) with a front crankcase mounted propeller governor; and
(2) Models S.208 and S.208A airplanes, all serial numbers, that are equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide cylinder flange engine (identified by the suffix “A” or “E” in the serial number) with a front crankcase mounted propeller governor.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Aermacchi S.p.A. Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, F.260F, S.208, and S.208A airplanes equipped with a Lycoming O-540 wide cylinder flange engine with a front crankcase mounted propeller governor. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the set screw that fixes the setting of the propeller governor idler gear shaft was not in the proper position. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD.
(1) For Models F.260, F.260B, F.260C, F.260D, F.260E, and F.260F airplanes: Before further flight after December 16, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), fabricate and install a placard that states: “AEROBATIC MANEUVERS ARE PROHIBITED.” Fabricate the placard using 1/8-inch black lettering on a white background and install the placard on the instrument panel in clear view of the pilot.
(2) In lieu of installing the placard, a copy of this AD may be inserted into the limitations section of the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) to comply with the action required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. The insertion of the AD into the AFM may be done by an owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the airplane records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.173, 121.380, or 135.439.
(3) For all airplanes: Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after December 16, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, inspect the propeller governor idler gear shaft set screw, part number (P/N) AN565B1032H, following the Compliance Instructions of Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012; or Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, Revision 1, dated November 12, 2012, as applicable.
(4) If a discrepancy (e.g., set screw missing or unscrewed) is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, before further flight, contact Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. for repair instructions approved by the FAA specifically for this AD and incorporate the repair instructions. You may contact Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A. using the contact information found in paragraph (k)(3) of this AD.
(5) After the initial inspection required by paragraph (f)(3) of this AD, provided no discrepancies were found or any discrepancies found were corrected as required by paragraph (f)(4) of this AD, remove the placard or the copy of the AD that was inserted into the AFM required by paragraphs (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD.
This AD allows credit for the actions required in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD if done before December 16, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) following Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 205B65, dated October 26, 2012; or Alenia Aermacchi Una Societa Finmeccanica Mandatory Bollettino Tecnico (English Translation: Technical Bulletin) No. 260SB-136, dated October 26, 2012, as applicable.
