[Federal Register: November 30, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 229)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 71756-71758]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30no05-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22690; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-35-AD;
Amendment 39-14388; AD 2005-24-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Five-Blade
Propeller Assemblies
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain McCauley Propeller Systems propeller assemblies installed on
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream model 4100 series airplanes.
This AD requires removing certain propeller hubs from service at new
reduced life limits and eddy current inspections (ECIs) of the
propeller hub. This AD results from three reports of cracked propeller
hubs. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked propeller hubs, which
could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation, and loss of
control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2005. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of December 15, 2005.
We must receive any comments on this AD by January 30, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 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 20590-0001.
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.
Contact McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS
97277-7704, for the service information referenced in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209, telephone: (316) 946-4148; fax:
(316) 946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In August 2003, we issued AD 2003-17-10
which requires initial and repetitive fluorescent penetrant inspection
or ultrasonic inspection of propeller blade retention areas for cracks,
replacement of high time propeller blades, and a onetime inspection of
propeller hubs. That AD resulted from four earlier reports of cracks in
propeller blade shanks. Since we issued AD 2003-17-10, we received
three more reports of cracked hubs. In November 2004, we issued AD
2004-23-16 which requires a onetime ECI of the propeller hub for
cracks, and if necessary, replacing the propeller assembly. That AD
also captured inspection results for the propeller hubs installed on
the Jetstream model 4100 fleet.
We received field reports that during taxi and ground maneuvering,
certain airplane operators might be violating the published and
placarded propeller ground revolutions-per-minute (rpm) restrictions.
Operating in the restricted rpm range during ground operation can
excite a natural propeller blade frequency that creates damaging stress
loadings on the propeller blades and hub. The stress loadings can cause
cracks, leading to propeller structural failure.
Additionally, some operators use a water-methanol assist system to
provide more engine power during certain operating conditions. The
operating procedures for the water-methanol assist system define an
airplane brakes-locked condition. Testing has shown that using the
water-methanol assist system with airplane brakes locked creates
propeller loadings exceeding structural fatigue limits of the propeller
hub. This condition, if not corrected, could result in cracked hubs,
which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation, and
loss of control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB250, dated September 12, 2005. This ASB
introduces new lower life limits for the propeller hubs identified in
this AD, and describes ECI procedures for them.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other McCauley propeller assemblies, P/Ns B5JFR36C1101/
114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and
C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0, installed on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Jetstream model 4100 series airplanes. We are issuing this AD to
prevent cracked hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub,
blade separation, and loss of control of the airplane. This AD
requires:
Removing any propeller hub from service that is currently,
or ever was, operated on an engine with a water-methanol assist system,
not later than 6,000 hours time-in-service (TIS).
Removing any other propeller hub from service not later
than 18,000 hours TIS.
Removing any propeller hub from service that exceeds its
life limit on the effective date of this AD, within 50 hours TIS after
the effective date of this AD.
That any propeller hub removed from service after
exceeding its life limit must not be returned to service on any
installation.
For all installed propeller hubs, performing an ECI within
200 hours TIS or 60 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
Thereafter, for all installed propeller hubs with 12,000
or more hours TIS, performing repetitive ECIs within 1,800 hours TIS or
12 months, whichever occurs first.
You must use the service information described previously to
perform the actions required by this AD. This AD does not require
repetitive inspections for propeller hubs that ever operated on, or are
currently operating on, engines with a water-methanol assist system,
[[Page 71757]]
due to the 6,000 hours TIS hub reduced life limit.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate
adoption of this AD, we found that notice and opportunity for public
comment before issuing this AD are impracticable. Good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
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 send us any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2005-22690;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-35-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. This
includes 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management
Facility 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.
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 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 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 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:
2005-24-08 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-14388. Docket
No. FAA-2005-22690; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-35-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
15, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems propeller
assemblies, part numbers (P/Ns) B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/
L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0. These
propeller assemblies are installed on BAE Systems (Operations)
Limited Jetstream Model 4100 series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from three reports of cracked propeller
hubs. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked propeller hubs,
which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation,
and 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.
Propeller Hub Reduced Life Limits
(f) Remove any propeller hub from service that is currently, or
ever was, operated on an engine with a water-methanol assist system,
not later than 6,000 hours time-in-service (TIS).
(g) Remove any other propeller hub from service not later than
18,000 hours TIS.
(h) Remove any propeller hub from service that exceeds its life
limit on the effective date of this AD, within 50 hours TIS after
the effective date of this AD.
Prohibition of Hubs Exceeding Life Limit
(i) Any propeller hub removed from service after exceeding its
life limit must not be returned to service on any installation.
Propeller Hub Initial Inspection
(j) For all installed propeller hubs, perform an eddy current
inspection (ECI) within 200 hours TIS or 60 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first. Use the Accomplishment
Instructions of McCauley Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB250,
dated September 12, 2005, to do the inspection.
Propeller Hub Repetitive Inspections
(k) Thereafter, for all installed propeller hubs with 12,000 or
more hours TIS:
(1) Perform repetitive ECIs within 1,800 hours TIS or 12 months,
whichever occurs first.
(2) Use the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley ASB No.
ASB250, dated September 12, 2005, to do the inspections.
[[Page 71758]]
(l) This AD does not require repetitive inspections for
propeller hubs that ever operated on, or are currently operating on,
engines with a water-methanol assist system, due to the 6,000 hours
TIS hub reduced life limit.
Reporting Requirements
(m) Report within 10 calendar days of the inspection, the
results that equal or exceed the reject criteria to:
(1) The FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport
Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, Attention: Jeff Janusz, telephone
(316) 946-4148; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; and
(2) McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS
97277-7704.
(3) Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(n) The Manager, Wichita 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.
Related Information
(o) None.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(p) You must use McCauley Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB250,
dated September 12, 2005, to perform the 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. Contact McCauley Propeller
Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 97277-7704, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001, on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 21, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23431 Filed 11-29-05; 8:45 am]
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