[Federal Register: October 20, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 202)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 61611-61613]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20oc04-14]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 83-ANE-14-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW
Hartzell Propeller) Model HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3,
HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 Turbopropellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to revise an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell Propeller)
models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-
5, and HC-B5MP-3 turbopropellers. That AD currently requires, before
further flight, that all new propellers being installed and all
serviceable propellers being reinstalled, are attached using part
number (P/N) B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, and that the bolts
are properly torqued. That AD also currently requires a one-time
torque-check of P/N A-2047 bolts that are already installed through
propellers and replacement of those bolts if necessary, with P/N B-3339
bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers. This proposed AD would require the same
actions. This proposed AD results from the need to make nonsubstantive
wording changes and additions to clarify that terminating action is
achieved by attaching propellers with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2
washers to the engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section
of this AD. This proposed AD does not require an additional one-time
torque-check of P/N A-2047 bolts. Also, this proposed AD does not apply
to propellers installed using P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2
washers. We are proposing this AD to preclude propeller attaching bolt
failures or improperly secured propellers, which could lead to
separation of the propeller from the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 20,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 83-ANE-14-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937)
778-4391.
You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa T. Bradley, Aerospace
Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone:
(847) 294-8110; fax: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 83-ANE-14-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 proposed
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a
substantive part of this proposed 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 proposed 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 that affect 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 AD Docket (including any comments and service
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the
location.
Discussion
Since we published the existing AD 83-08-01R1 (Amendment 39-4633,
48 FR 17576, April 25, 1983), numerous inquiries from the FAA field and
industry have been presented to the Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO) regarding replacement of propeller attaching bolts. On
July 10, 1992, that office distributed a letter through the Flight
Standards District Office that stated the following:
The intent of AD 83-08-01R1 is not to require replacement
or imply life limits of bolts P/N B-3339 and washers P/N A-2048-2, when
a propeller is reinstalled, removed, or replaced.
Bolt replacement at time of propeller installation is only
required when a different part number bolt was previously installed.
If the current FAA-approved bolt P/N B-3339 can pass
inspection and meet required torque limit, the bolt is reusable.
Installing bolts P/N B-3339 is terminating action for AD
83-080-01R1.
FAA's Actions and Requirements Since the ACO Letter Was Issued
Despite that letter distribution, we are still receiving inquiries
on the intent of AD 83-08-01R1. This proposed AD would revise AD 83-08-
01R1 by making nonsubstantive wording changes and additions to clarify
that replacement of the previous P/N bolts, P/N A-2047, and related
washers, with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, must be done
when new propellers are being installed and when serviceable propellers
are being reinstalled. Doing these actions is considered terminating
action to the AD. This proposed AD revision is being issued to preclude
propeller attaching bolt failures or improperly secured propellers,
which could lead to separation of the propeller from the airplane.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 17,000 Hartzell Propeller Inc. models HC-B3TN-2,
HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3
turbopropellers of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We
estimate that 11,900 turbopropellers installed on airplanes of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
[[Page 61612]]
We also estimate that all of these propellers likely would have
upgraded to the P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers since
issuance of the original AD. The average labor rate is $65 per work
hour. Bolt replacement would require about 1.5 work hours. Required
parts would cost approximately $260 per propeller. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD to replace the bolts
for one propeller to be $357.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Would 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 proposal 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. 83-ANE-14-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14
CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-4633 (48 FR
17576, April 25, 1983) and by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD), to read as follows:
Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell Propeller): Docket
No. 83-ANE-14-AD. Revises AD 83-08-01R1, Amendment 39-4633.
Applicability: This AD is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc.
(formerly TRW Hartzell Propeller) models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-
B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3
turbopropellers. The HC-B( )TN-2, HC-B( )TN-3, and HC-B( )MP-3
propellers are installed on Pratt & Whitney Canada Model PT6A-( )
series engines. The HC-B( )TN-5 and HC-B( )MN-5 series propellers
are installed on Honeywell International Inc., (formerly
AlliedSignal Inc., Garrett Turbine Engine Company, and AIResearch
Manufacturing Company of Arizona) TPE-331-( ) series engines.
Note 1: This AD applies to each propeller identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For propellers that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD are affected, the owner/operator must request approval for
an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c)
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Compliance with this AD is required as indicated,
unless already done.
To preclude propeller attaching bolt failures or improperly
secured propellers, which could lead to separation of the propeller
from the airplane, do the following:
(a) Install all new propellers and serviceable propellers that
are being reinstalled, as follows, before further flight:
(1) Install the propeller oil seal to the engine flange after
ensuring that the engine and propeller flanges are clean.
(2) Carefully install propeller on the engine flange ensuring
that complete and true contact is established.
(3) Apply MIL-T-5544 Petrolated Graphite or Hartzell Lubricant
part number (P/N) A3338 to threads of eight P/N B-3339 attaching
bolts (and remainder of bolt if desired) and to flat surfaces of
eight P/N A-2048-2 washers.
(4) Install the eight P/N B-3339 attaching bolts and eight P/N
A-2048-2 washers that were prepared in paragraph (a)(3) of this AD,
through the engine flange and into the propeller flange.
(5) Torque all attaching bolts with a torque wrench and an
appropriate adapter, to 40 ft.-lbs., and then to 80 ft.-lbs.
Following sequence ``A'' (shown below). Final torque all attaching
bolts using sequence ``B'' (shown below) to 100 to 105 ft.-lbs.
Safety wire all attaching bolts in an FAA-approved manner.
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP20OC04.001
[[Page 61613]]
(6) Once the propeller is installed with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/
N A-2048-2 washers, this AD no longer applies.
(b) Within the next 300 hours time-in-service after the
effective date of this AD, do the following on all applicable
turbopropellers presently installed with P/N A-2047 attaching bolts:
(1) Check the torque, with a torque wrench and an appropriate
adapter, of all eight propeller attaching bolts (with washers
installed). Torque should be 100 to 125 ft.-lbs., with dry threads.
(Caution: Do not use any lubricant with the P/N A-2047 bolts. Safety
wire all bolts in an FAA-approved manner.)
(2) If the torque of any one of the bolts is found to be less
than 100 ft.-lbs., remove all eight bolts and washers and replace
with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers using paragraphs
(a)(1) through (a)(5) of this AD.
(3) A P/N A-2047 bolt has the letter ``H'' stamped inside a
triangle on the bolt. A P/N B-3339 bolt has the P/N stamped inside
the cupped head.
(4) If the torque of each P/N A-2047 bolt is in compliance, then
at next propeller disassembly, remove all eight bolts and washers
and replace with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers. Use
paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this AD to do the replacements.
(5) Hartzell Service Instructions No. 140A, Revision 8, dated
April 6, 2004, is the latest service information that pertains to
the subject of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Sec. Sec. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be done.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 12, 2004.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-23366 Filed 10-19-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-C