[Federal Register: July 17, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 137)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 42244-42246]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17jy03-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD; Amendment 39-13243; AD 2003-15-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc.
Propeller Hub Models B5JFR36C1101, C5JFR36C1102, B5JFR36C1103, and
C5JFR36C1104
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain McCauley Systems, Inc. propellers that are installed on BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes. This AD
requires a fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the propeller
blades for cracks. This AD is prompted by a report of a significant
crack in a propeller blade shank and two reports of cracks in the hubs
of the same propeller model. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in
the propeller blade shank that could cause a failure of the propeller
blade and loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Effective July 17, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed
in the regulations as of July 17, 2003.
We must receive any comments on this AD by September 15, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
[sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2003-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
[sbull] By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov
You may get the service information referenced in this AD from
McCauley Propeller Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Smyth, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone:
(847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This AD applies to the following McCauley
Systems, Inc. propeller assemblies that are installed on BAE Systems
(Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes:
[sbull] Hub Model B5JFR36C1101, with Model 114GC series propeller
blades,
[sbull] Hub Model C5JFR36C1102, with Model L114GC series propeller
blades, and
[sbull] Hub Model B5JFR36C1103, with Model 114HC series propeller
blades,
[sbull] Hub Model C5JFR36C1104, with Model L114HC series propeller
blades. This AD requires a one time FPI of the retention area of the
propeller blade. A July 1, 2003, report of vibration prompted this AD.
An operator of a Jetstream Model 4101 airplane notified McCauley
Propeller Systems, Inc. of a vibration during flight. Investigation
found a crack that appeared to extend through the butt of the propeller
blade for about one-half of the circumference of the blade shank. We
also received two reports of cracks in the hubs of the same propeller
models that may be related to this issue. We are requiring the actions
specified in this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade shank that
could cause a failure of the propeller blade and loss of control of the
airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB246B, Revision 2, dated July 11, 2003,
that describes procedures for FPI of the propeller blade.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
McCauley ASB ASB246B, Revision 2, dated July 11, 2003, requires the
operator to perform a blade shake check at 72-hour intervals. This AD
does not require the blade shake check.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other McCauley Systems, Inc. propeller hub Models
B5JFR36C1101, C5JFR36C1102, B5JFR36C1103, and C5JFR36C1104, of the same
type design that are installed on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks
in the propeller blade shank that could cause a failure of the
propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane. You must use the
service information described previously to perform these actions.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
[[Page 42245]]
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD'' in the
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we
will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD
in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications with you. You may get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2003-15-01 McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc.: Amendment 39-13243.
Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 17,
2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc.
propeller models that are listed in Table 1 of this AD, and are
installed on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4101
airplanes. Table 1 follows:
Table 1.--Propeller Models by Hub Model and Blade Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
With propeller blade model
Propeller hub model installed
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B5JFR36C1101........................... 114GC series.
C5JFR36C1102........................... L114GC series.
B5JFR36C1103........................... 114HC series.
C5JFR36C1104........................... L114HC series.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted by a report of a significant crack in a
propeller blade shank and two reports of cracks in the hubs of the
same propeller model. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the
propeller blade shank that could cause a failure of the propeller
blade and loss of control of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You must perform the actions within the compliance times
specified in this AD unless the actions have already been done.
Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI) of Propeller Blades
(f) Fluorescent-penetrant inspect the propeller blade using the
procedures specified in 3.A. through 3.I. of McCauley Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) ASB246B, Revision 2, dated July 11, 2003, and the
compliance times specified in the following Table 2:
Table 2.--Compliance Times for FPI of Propeller Blades
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If the propeller blade time-
since-new (TSN) is-- Or if-- Then inspect--
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(1) 10,000 hours TSN or more The blade was Within 50 hours time-
overhauled at least in-service (TIS)
twice. after the effective
date of this AD.
(2) 10,000 hours TSN or more The blade was Within 250 hours TIS
and the blade has been overhauled at least after the effective
overhauled within the last twice, and the last date of this AD.
200 hours TIS before the overhaul was within
effective date of this AD. the last 200 hours
TIS before the
effective date of
this AD.
(3) 6,000 hours TSN or more. The blade was Within 200 hours TIS
overhauled at least after the effective
once. date of this AD.
(4) Fewer than 6,000 TSN.... The blade has not At the next
been overhauled. overhaul.
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Reporting Requirements
(g) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the
reporting requirements specified in 3.H. of McCauley ASB ASB246B,
Revision 2, dated July 11, 2003, and assigned OMB control number
2120-0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) You must request AMOCs as specified in 14 CFR 39.19. All
AMOCs must be
[[Page 42246]]
approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc., Alert Service
Bulletin ASB246B, Revision 2, dated July 11, 2003, to perform the
FPI. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from McCauley Propeller
Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377. You may review
copies at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
Related Information
(j) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 14, 2003.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-18236 Filed 7-15-03; 12:42 pm]
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