Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Compact Series Propellers

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), that is applicable to Hartzell models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( )( ) compact series, constant speed or feathering propellers with Hartzell manufactured "Y" shank blades. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive blade inspections; rework of all "Y" shank blades including cold rolling of the blade shank retention radius; blade replacement and modification of pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers installed. This amendment requires initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections; rework of all "Y" shank blades including cold rolling of the blade shank retention radius, blade replacement and modification of pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers installed. This amendment is prompted by FAA reviews of propeller service histories since the issuance of AD 77-12-06R2. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the propeller blade from fatigue cracks in the blade shank radius, which can result in damage to the airplane and loss of airplane control.