[Federal Register: September 2, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 170)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53603-53605]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02se04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18958; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-32-AD;
Amendment 39-13778; AD 2004-18-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG Models
HO-V343 and HO-V343K Propellers
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
Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG (Hoffmann Propeller) models HO-V343 and
HO-V343K propellers. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual
inspections of propeller blades for blade shake and blade nut preload.
This AD also requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections
of blade hubs for damage and cracks. This AD results from a report of a
blade separating from either a model HO-V343 or HO-V343K propeller. We
are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure and blade
separation due to an unknown root cause, leading to damage and possible
loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Effective September 17, 2004. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of September 17, 2004.
We must receive any comments on this AD by November 1, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http: //dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
You can get the service information identified in this AD from
Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG, K[uuml]pferlingstra[szlig]e 9, D-83022
Rosenheim, Germany, telephone ++49-(0)8031-1878-0; fax ++49-(0)8031-
1878-78.
You may examine the comments on this AD in the AD docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Walsh, Aerospace Engineer,
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299;
telephone (781) 238-7158; fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the
aviation authority for Germany, recently notified us that an unsafe
condition may exist on Hoffmann propeller models HO-V343 and HO-V343K
propellers. The LBA has notified us of an occurrence of a propeller
blade separating from the hub. Initial investigation after that blade
separation revealed that the propeller hub was cracked. The root cause
of the failure is not known and is still under investigation. A
propeller blade having blade shake may be evidence of either incorrect
blade nut preload or a cracked hub or both. Incorrect blade nut preload
may be evidence of a cracked hub. The actions specified in this AD are
of precautionary nature. We certificated these propellers for use in
the U.S. in 1997. We estimate that 12 of these propellers of the same
type design are installed on airplanes of U.S. registry.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hoffmann
Propeller GmbH & Co KG Service Instruction No. 61-10-05 SI E 4B, dated
July 13, 2004, that describes procedures for initial and repetitive
visual inspections of propeller blades for blade
[[Page 53604]]
shake and blade nut preload. This service instruction also describes
procedures for initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of blade
hubs for damage or cracks. The LBA classified this service instruction
as mandatory and issued AD D-2004-352R2, dated July 23, 2004, in order
to ensure the airworthiness of these propellers in Germany.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
These Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG models HO-V343 and HO-V343K
propellers are manufactured in Germany and are type certificated for
operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable
bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral airworthiness
agreement, the LBA kept the FAA informed of the situation described
above. We have examined the findings of the LBA, reviewed all available
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United
States.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG model HO-V343 and HO-
V343K propellers of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to
prevent propeller hub failure and blade separation due to an unknown
root cause, leading to damage and possible loss of control of the
airplane. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual inspections of
propeller blades for blade shake and blade nut preload. This AD also
requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of blade hubs
for damage and cracks. You must use the service information described
previously to perform the actions required by this AD.
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.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
Docket Management System (DMS)
We have implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, we post new AD actions on the DMS
and assign a DMS docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding Directorate identifier. The DMS docket No. is in the form
``Docket No. FAA-200X-XXXXX.'' Each DMS docket also lists the
Directorate identifier (``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for
searching purposes.
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. FAA-2004-18958;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-32-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS Web
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
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 can get more information about plain
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2004-18-01 Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG: Amendment 39-13778.
Docket No. FAA-2004-18958; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-32-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 17, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
[[Page 53605]]
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG (Hoffmann
Propeller) models HO-V343 and HO-V343K propellers. These propellers
are installed on, but not limited to, general aviation airplanes
possibly having an FAA-approved Supplemental Type Certificate.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a blade separating from
either a model HO-V343 or HO-V343K propeller. We are issuing this AD
to prevent propeller hub failure and blade separation due to an
unknown root cause, leading to damage and possible loss of control
of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the
actions have already been done.
Propellers With Hubs Having 1,200 or More Flight Hours-Since-New (FHSN)
(f) For propellers having hubs with 1,200 or more FHSN, do the
following:
(1) Before each flight after the effective date of this AD,
perform a preflight check for blade shake. Use paragraph 2.2 of
Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller Service
Instruction (SI) No. 61-10-05 SI E 4B, dated July 13, 2004, to do
this check. If you find any blade shake, do the following before
further flight:
(i) Record the blade shake, blade nut preload, and final blade
nut torque of all three blades. Use paragraph 2.2 of Accomplishment
Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction (SI) No. 61-
10-05 SI E 4B, dated July 13, 2004, to do these recordings and
checks.
(ii) Remove propeller blades from the hub. Information on blade
removal can be found in Hoffmann Propeller Overhaul Manual No.
(E)661.
(iii) Perform an eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller
hub for damage and cracks. Use paragraphs 2.3 through 2.4 of
Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller SI No. 61-10-05 SI
E 4B, dated July 13, 2004, to do the ECI.
(iv) If the propeller hub has damage or cracks, remove the
propeller hub from service before further flight.
(2) Perform repetitive checks and inspections as specified in
paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (f)(1)(iv) of this AD within intervals
of 100 flight hours-since-last-inspection.
Propellers With Hubs Having Fewer Than 1,200 FHSN
(g) For propellers with hubs having fewer than 1,200 FHSN, do
the following:
(1) Before each flight after the effective date of this AD,
perform a preflight check for blade shake, as specified in paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD. If blade shake is found, perform the follow-up
actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) through (f)(1)(iv) of this
AD.
(2) Perform an ECI of the propeller hub for damage and cracks
before exceeding 1,200 FHSN. Use paragraphs 2.3 through 2.4 of
Accomplishment Instructions of Hoffmann Propeller SI No. 61-10-05 SI
E 4B, dated July 13, 2004, to do the ECI.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, has the
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Hoffmann Propeller Service Instruction No. 61-
10-05 SI E 4B, dated July 13, 2004, to perform the checks and
inspections required by this AD. 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
can get a copy from Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co KG,
K[uuml]pferlingstra[szlig]e 9, D-83022 Rosenheim, Germany, telephone
++49-(0)8031-1878-0; fax ++49-(0)8031-1878-78; or at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the
availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to:
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Related Information
(j) LBA airworthiness directive D-2004-352R2, dated July 23,
2004, which holds EASA Approval No. 2004-7836, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 23, 2004.
Robert E. Guyotte,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-19829 Filed 9-1-04; 8:45 am]
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