[Federal Register: July 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 133)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 40187-40189]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13jy05-2]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-53-AD; Amendment 39-14188; AD 2005-14-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley
Propeller Systems, and Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and Sensenich
Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers. This AD requires
maintenance actions amounting to an overhaul of the affected
propellers. This AD results from the investigation of a failed
propeller blade and subsequent inspections of various propeller models
returned to service by Southern California Propeller Service, of
Inglewood, CA. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure that
could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 17, 2005.
ADDRESSES: 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: Timothy Smyth, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847)
294-7132, fax (847) 294-7834 for Hartzell Propellers.
Contact Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4148; fax
(316) 946-4107 for McCauley Propellers.
Contact James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 1600
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7321, fax (516) 794-5531 for Sensenich Propellers.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies
to certain Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers returned to
service by Southern California Propeller Service. We published the
proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 20, 2004 (69 FR 29111). That
action proposed to require maintenance actions that amount to an
overhaul of Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers returned to
service by Southern California Propeller Service.
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.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Question of Why the FAA Is Changing the Rules
One commenter asks ``Why change the rules just because one repair
station, Southern California Propeller Service, of Inglewood, CA didn't
follow the existing rules?'' The commenter feels that the existing
rules have worked for well over 50 years, and asks how
[[Page 40188]]
making general aviation cost more is going to solve the problem. The
commenter feels that the proposed AD is counterproductive because it
will force people to go to ``cut-rate'' outfits like Southern
California Propeller Service. We don't agree that we are ``changing the
rules.'' We are issuing an AD to correct unsafe conditions introduced
by Southern California Propeller Services. The Code of Federal
Regulations, 14 CFR part 39 allows us to issue ADs to correct unsafe
conditions. While the public will incur costs to comply with this
action, the action will address the unsafe conditions found in other
propellers.
Request To Add Hartzell HC and HA Series Propellers to the
Applicability
One commenter asks if we should add Hartzell HC series and HA
series propellers to the Applicability of this AD. We don't agree that
we need to add the Hartzell ``HC'' or ``HA'' series propellers at this
time. We reviewed the repair station certificate and responses from the
public, and found no evidence that Southern California Propeller
Service worked on Hartzell five-bladed steel hub propellers. While we
were developing Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No.
NE-01-09, we were advised to include a reference to Sensenich
propellers (even though the repair station certificate doesn't denote
them). However, if someone sends us information that documents work
done by Southern California Propeller Service on propellers beyond
those denoted in the AD, we will review the AD for an expanded
applicability. We have not changed the propeller model numbering to
maintain consistency with the NPRM and SAIB No. NE-01-09.
Request To Change the Wording in Paragraph ``2(e)'' of the AD
The same commenter asks us to change the wording in paragraph
``2(e)'' of the AD to read, ``For Hartzell and McCauley propellers
listed in Table 1 of this AD, any letter, number, or any combination of
letters or numbers (or lack of a letter or number) could appear where
open parentheses are shown in the model number. Model numbers could
show any combination of letters or numbers where the model number
contains an open parentheses with a series of numbers or letters.'' We
do not agree. The suggested change adds nothing, so we choose to not
alter the wording.
Request To Change the Wording in Paragraphs ``2(f)'' and ``2(i)'' of
the AD
The same commenter asks us to change the wording in paragraph
``2(f)'' of the AD from, ``For propeller models listed in Table 1'' to
``For propeller models addressed in Table 1 of this AD.'' The commenter
also asks us to change paragraph ``2(i)'' from ``Perform the actions
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD on propeller models listed in
Table 1 of this AD'' to ``Perform the actions specified in paragraph
(j) of this AD on the propeller models addressed, regardless of serial
number, in Table 1 of this AD.'' We partially agree. We will change
``propellers listed in Table 1'' to ``propeller models listed in Table
1'' throughout the regulatory text of the AD, specifically in
paragraphs (e), (f), and (i), to maintain consistency.
Request To Ensure Compliance by Southern California Propeller Services
With Previous ADs
The same commenter asks us to add an action requirement to ensure
that previous ADs signed off by Southern California Propeller Service
are re-evaluated, reinspected, or repeated as appropriate. We do not
agree. The required actions specified in this AD are equivalent to any
AD applicable to the affected propellers.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that 1,000 propellers installed on aircraft of U.S.
registry will be affected by this AD and that it will cost on average
about $3,000 to overhaul each propeller. Based on these figures, we
estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $3,000,000.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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-53-AD'' in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:
2005-14-11 Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. Propellers:
Amendment 39-14188. Docket No. 2003-NE-53-AD.
[[Page 40189]]
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August
17, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley
Propeller Systems, and Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company,
Inc. propeller models last returned to service by Southern
California Propeller Service of Inglewood, CA., listed in the
following Table 1:
Table 1.--Applicable Propeller Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hartzell Propeller, Inc.
( )HC-( )(2,3,4)Y( )-( ).
( )HC-( )(2,3,4)(X,V,MV,W,Z,P,R) (F,G,L,K,R,20,30,31)-( ).
( )HA-( )-( ).
HC-B(3,4)(M,P,R,T)(A,N,P)-( ).
HC-(D,E)(4,5)(A,B,N,P)-( ).
McCauley Propeller Systems
( )2( )( )3( )C( )( )( )-( ): All constant speed two-bladed propeller
models.
( )3( )( )3( )C( )( )( )-( ): All constant speed three-bladed propeller
models.
1( )( )( )( )/( ): All metal propeller models.
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc.
All metal propeller models.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) These actions are against propeller models returned to
service by Southern California Propeller Service. Southern
California Propeller Service is not to be confused with propeller
repair stations known as California Propeller or as Propeller
Service of California. Southern California Propeller Service was
issued Air Agency Certificate number of VXSR617L in 1992, which was
revoked in June of 1998.
(e) For Hartzell and McCauley propeller models listed in Table 1
of this AD, any letter or number (or lack of a letter or number)
could appear where open parentheses are shown in the model number.
Model numbers could show any combination of letters or numbers where
the model number shows parentheses with a series of numbers or
letters.
(f) For propeller models listed in Table 1 of this AD, that have
been overhauled since being returned to service by Southern
California Propeller Service by an authorized repair station other
than Southern California Propeller Service, no further action is
required.
Unsafe Condition
(g) This AD results from the investigation of a failed propeller
blade and subsequent inspections of various propeller models
returned to service by Southern California Propeller Service, of
Inglewood, CA. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure that
could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control
of the airplane.
Compliance
(h) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective
date of this AD.
Required Actions
(i) Perform the actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD on
propeller models listed in Table 1 of this AD. You can find
information on performing the actions in the applicable propeller
manufacturer's service documentation.
(j) Perform the following actions:
(1) Disassemble,
(2) Clean,
(3) Inspect for the following:
(i) Cracks,
(ii) Corrosion or pits,
(iii) Nicks,
(iv) Scratches,
(v) Blade minimum dimensions,
(vi) Unapproved localized heating of blade,
(vii) Unapproved use of helicoil inserts in actuating pin holes,
(viii) Improperly drilled actuating pin holes,
(ix) Chemical conversion coat or paint or both applied over
corrosion,
(x) Lack of chemical conversion coating,
(xi) Lack of paint on internal surfaces,
(xii) Bolts incorrectly torqued,
(xiii) Incorrect parts,
(xiv) Incorrect installation of parts,
(xv) Reinstallation of parts intended for one-time use, and
(xvi) Lack of proper shot peening.
(4) Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary,
(5) Reassemble and test.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for
this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Special Flight Permits
(l) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight
permits for this AD by not allowing any flights with apparent cracks
in propellers.
Related Information
(m) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. NE-01-19,
dated March 20, 2001, pertains to the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 5, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13740 Filed 7-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P