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AD Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
 Federal Register Information
[Federal Register: January 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 1)]
[Page 71-76]
Header Information
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-ANE-40-AD]
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) Series and HA-A2V20-1B Series Propellers with Aluminum Blades
Preamble Information
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series and HA-A2V20-1B series propellers with aluminum blades. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive dye penetrant and eddy current inspections of the blade and an optical comparator inspection of the blade retention area, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. In addition, that AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspection of the blade clamp, dye penetrant inspection of the blade internal bearing bore, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. Also, for all HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) steel hub propellers, that AD currently requires an additional initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspection of the hub, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. This proposal would revise that AD by introducing as an optional terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections of that AD, replacement of affected propellers with Hartzell Propeller Inc. model "MV" series propellers. This proposal is prompted by type certification approval of the Hartzell "MV" series propellers that are direct replacements for the affected propellers, and service bulletin approval to allow modification of affected propellers to the "MV" type design configuration. The Hartzell "MV" series propellers were certified as Hartzell propeller models ( )HC-( )(2,3)MV( )-( ) and HA-A2MV20-1B. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent blade separation due to cracked blades, hubs, or blade clamps, which can result in loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by March 3, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-40-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. This information may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031, fax (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 96-ANE-40-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRM's
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-ANE-40-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
On August 15, 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued airworthiness directive (AD) 97-18-02, Amendment 39-10112 (62 FR 45309, August 27, 1997), applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series propellers and HA-A2V20-1B series propellers, to require initial and repetitive dye penetrant and eddy current inspections of the blade and an optical comparator inspection of the blade retention area, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. In addition, that AD was issued to require initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspections of the blade clamp, dye penetrant inspections of the blade internal bearing bore, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. Also, that AD was issued to require for all HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) steel hub propellers, an additional initial, and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspections of the hub and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. That action was prompted by reports of cracked blades, blade clamps, and hubs and reports of blade separations. That condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Hartzell Certification Efforts To Create Optional Terminating Action To Address AD 97-18-02
Since issuance of that AD, Hartzell Propeller Inc. has received type certification approval of the Hartzell "MV" series of propellers that are direct replacements for the affected propellers. The Hartzell "MV" series propellers were certified as Hartzell propeller models ( )HC-( )(2,3)MV( )-( ) and HA-A2MV20-1B. Also, Hartzell Propeller Inc. service bulletins (SB's) HC-SB-61-232, dated March 20, 1998, and HC-SB-61-233, dated April 17, 1998, have been approved to allow modification of affected propellers to the "MV" type design configuration. This proposal would introduce as an optional terminating action, for the initial and repetitive inspections of this proposal, replacement of affected propellers with Hartzell Propeller Inc. model "MV" series propellers.
Manufacturer's Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997, that describes procedures for fluorescent dye penetrant and eddy current inspections of the blade and an optical comparator inspection of the blade retention area, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. In addition, this SB describes procedures for visual and magnetic particle inspection of the blade clamp, dye penetrant inspection of the blade internal bearing bore and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. For all HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )( ) steel hub propellers, this SB describes an additional visual and magnetic particle inspection of the hub, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series and HA-A2V20-1B series propellers of this same type design, the proposed AD would revise AD 97-18-02 to continue to require:
Initial and repetitive dye penetrant and eddy current inspections of the blade and an optical comparator inspection of the blade retention area, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
Initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspection of the blade clamp, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
Initial and repetitive dye penetrant inspection of the blade internal bearing bore, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
For all HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) steel hub propellers, an additional initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspection of the hub, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts.
A reporting requirement to obtain additional data and determine if adjustment can be made to the repetitive inspection intervals, with possible relief.
This proposal also adds as an optional terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections of this proposal, replacement of affected propellers with Hartzell Propeller Inc. model MV propellers.
Economic Analysis
Since the proposed revision to AD 97-18-02 is to add an optional terminating action, the total cost of the proposed revised AD on U.S. operators can be estimated to be $0.
Regulatory Analysis
This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication of this proposed rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed regulation (1) is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a "significant rule" under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
 Regulatory Information
Footer Information
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 24, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-33074 Filed 12-31-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
Comments
Not Applicable
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