[Federal Register: December 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 237)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 73364-73367]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12de05-7]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD; Amendment 39-14403; AD 2005-25-10]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8,
R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 Propeller Assemblies
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) for Dowty Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-
F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. That AD currently
requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of propeller
hubs, part number (P/N) 660709201. This AD requires the same initial
and repetitive ultrasonic inspections, but makes some needed
corrections. This AD results from comments received on AD 2005-20-12.
We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure due to cracks
in the hub, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Effective December 27, 2005. The Director of the Federal
Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of July 27, 2004 (69 FR
34560, June 22, 2004) and October 28, 2005 (70 FR 59647, October 13,
2005).
We must receive any comments on this AD by February 10, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2001-NE-50-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
By fax: (781) 238-7055.
By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
Contact Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road
East, Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0)
1452 716001, for the service information referenced in this AD.
You may examine the AD docket, by appointment, at the FAA, New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone
(781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7170.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 26, 2005, we issued AD 2005-20-
12, Amendment 39-14306 (70 FR 59647, October 13, 2005). That AD
requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of propeller
hubs, P/N 660709201. That AD was the result of a report of a hub
separation on a CASA 212 airplane. That condition, if not corrected,
could result in propeller hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which
could result in loss of control of the airplane.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to comment on AD 2005-20-12.
We have considered the comments received.
Allow Use of Appendix D
One commenter, the manufacturer, requests we allow operators and
inspectors to also use Appendix D of the referenced service bulletins.
We agree and added the use of Appendix D to this AD.
Request To Include Flight Cycle Limit
The same commenter requests we include a flight cycle limit in the
repetitive inspection compliance for R334/4-82-F/13 propeller
assemblies, to be consistent with the service bulletin. We agree and
changed the repetitive ultrasonic inspection compliance to ``within 300
flight hours time-since-last-inspection or 300 flight cycles-since-last
inspection, whichever occurs sooner''.
Request To Correct the Manufacturer's Name
The same commenter requests we correct their former name of Dowty
Aerospace Propellers, to their current name of Dowty Propellers. We
agree and made the name change.
Request To Clarify Initial Inspection Compliance
The same commenter requests we revise paragraph (h) of AD 2005-20-
12 to clarify that operators that previously complied with the initial
inspection in paragraph (f) do not have to comply a second time to that
initial inspection. We agree. For clarification, we revised the
paragraph, moved it closer to the Compliance heading, and codified it
as paragraph (f).
[[Page 73365]]
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.
Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed
Paragraph (l) of the current AD, AD 2005-20-12, contains a
paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final
rule does not contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with
regard to the use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to
a repair facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we
published a new Part 39 that contains a general authority regarding
special flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No.
FAA-2004-8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus,
when we now supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on
special flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general
authority granted in section 39.23.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Dowty
Propellers Alert MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 4, dated September 14, 2005,
that specifies initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the
rear wall of the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks on Type
R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies used on CASA 212 airplanes. The CAA
classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued CAA UK AD No.
G-2005-0027, dated September 8, 2005, to assure the airworthiness of
these Dowty Propellers in the U.K.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
Although Appendix A of Alert MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 4, dated
September 14, 2005, requires reporting the inspection data to Dowty
Propellers, this AD requires that you report the data to the Boston
Aircraft Certification Office of the FAA.
Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement
These propeller models are manufactured in the U.K. 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 CAA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the CAA,
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 Dowty Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9,
R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies of the same
type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure
due to cracks in the hub, which could result in loss of control of the
airplane. This AD requires:
Within 10 flight hours (FH) time-in-service (TIS) or 20
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier,
performing an initial ultrasonic inspection of the rear halves of
propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed in Type R334/4-82-F/13
propeller assemblies, and;
Within 50 FH TIS or 60 days after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs earlier, performing an initial ultrasonic
inspection of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are
installed in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, and R333/4-82-F/12
propeller assemblies, and;
Within 300 FH time-since-last-inspection (TSLI) or 300
flight cycles-since-last-inspection, whichever occurs sooner,
performing a repetitive ultrasonic inspection of the rear halves of
propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed in Type R334/4-82-F/13
propeller assemblies, and;
Within 1,000 FH TSLI performing a repetitive ultrasonic
inspection of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are
installed in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, and R333/4-82-F/12
propeller assemblies, and;
If not already done, performing an ultrasonic inspection
of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed
in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/
13 propeller assemblies that are in storage before installing the
propeller assembly onto an airplane.
You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of this
AD to perform the inspections 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.
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. 2001-NE-50-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.
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.
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.
[[Page 73366]]
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. 2001-NE-50-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 removing Amendment 39-14306 (70 FR
59647, October 13, 2005), and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-59647, to read as follows:
2005-25-10 Dowty Propellers: Amendment 39-14403. Docket No. 2001-NE-
50-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
27, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-20-12, Amendment 39-14306.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Dowty Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, and
R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12 propeller assemblies with propeller
hubs part number (P/N) 660709201, installed on, but not limited to,
British Aerospace Regional Aircraft Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201,
Fairchild Aircraft, Inc., Merlin IIIC, and Merlin IVC/Metro III
airplanes, and to Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies with hubs
P/N 660709201, installed on Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA)
212 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from comments received on AD 2005-20-12. We
are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure due to cracks
in the hub, which could result in 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.
(f) Propeller hubs, P/N 660709201, previously inspected using
Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletins (MSBs) listed in Table 1 or an
earlier issue of those MSBs, are already in compliance with
paragraph (g) of this AD and do not need another initial inspection.
Table 1.--Applicable MSB for Propeller Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial inspection within Repeat inspection within
Propeller assembly type the earlier of * * * * * * Applicable MSB
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) R334/4-82-F/13............... 10 flight hours (FH) time- 300 FH time-since-last- Alert MSB No. 61-1119,
in-service (TIS) or 20 inspection (TSLI) or Revision 4, dated
days after the effective 300 flight cycles-since- September 14, 2005.
date of this AD. last-inspection,
whichever occurs sooner.
(2) R321/4-82-F/8................ 50 FH TIS or 60 days 1,000 FH TSLI........... MSB No. 61-1125,
after the effective date Revision 1, dated
of this AD. October 9, 2002.
(3) R324/4-82-F/9................ 50 FH TIS or 60 days 1,000 FH TSLI........... MSB No. 61-1126,
after the effective date Revision 1, dated
of this AD. October 9, 2002.
(4) R333/4-82-F/12............... 50 FH TIS or 60 days 1,000 FH TSLI........... MSB No. 61-1124,
after the effective date Revision 1, dated
of this AD. October 8, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Ultrasonic Inspections
(g) Perform an initial ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of
the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks within the compliance
time specified in the following Table 1. Use Appendix A or Appendix
D of the applicable Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) listed in
Table 1 of this AD.
(h) For hubs and propellers in storage, perform an initial
ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the
propeller hub for cracks, before placing in service. Use Appendix A
or Appendix D of the applicable Dowty MSB listed in Table 1 of this
AD.
Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections
(i) Thereafter, perform a repetitive ultrasonic inspection of
the rear wall of the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks
within the compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD. Use
Appendix A or Appendix D of the applicable Dowty Mandatory Service
Bulletin (MSB) listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Inspection Reporting Requirements
(j) Within 10 days after each inspection, record the inspection
data on a copy of Appendix B of the applicable MSB listed in Table 1
of this AD. Report the findings to the Manager, Boston Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. The Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) approved the reporting requirements and
assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) The Manager, Boston 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.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 to
perform the inspections required by this AD. The Director of the
Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference
of Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 61-1124, Revision 1,
dated October 8, 2002; MSB No. 61-1125, Revision 1, dated October 9,
2002, MSB 61-1126 and Revision 1, dated October 9, 2002 as of July
27, 2004 (69 FR 34560, June 22, 2004), and Dowty Alert (MSB) No. 61-
1119, Revision 4, dated September 14, 2005, as of October 28, 2005
(70 FR 59647, October 13, 2005), in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park,
Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452
716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001 for a copy of this service
information. You may
[[Page 73367]]
review copies at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; 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
.
Table 2.--Incorporation by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin No. Page Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert MSB No. 61-1119............ All.................. 4................... September 14, 2005.
Appendix A....................... 1.................... 1................... November 27, 2001.
2.................... Original............ November 1, 2001.
3-6.................. 1................... November 27, 2001.
Appendix B....................... 1.................... Original............ November 1, 2001.
Appendix C....................... All.................. Original............ November 27, 2001.
Appendix D....................... All.................. Original............ December 6, 2001.
Total pages: 30
----------------------------------
MSB No. 61-1124.................. 1.................... 1................... October 8, 2002.
2-3.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix A....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix B....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix C....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix D....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Total pages: 30
----------------------------------
MSB No. 61-1125.................. 1.................... 1................... October 9, 2002.
2-3.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix A....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix B....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix C....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix D....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Total pages: 30
----------------------------------
MSB No. 61-1126.................. 1.................... 1................... October 9, 2002.
2-3.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix A....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix B....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix C....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Appendix D....................... All.................. Original............ May 7, 2002.
Total pages: 30
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Related Information
(m) United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
airworthiness directives No. G-2005-0027, dated September 8, 2005; CAA
UK AD No. 009-05-2002, dated April 15, 2003; CAA UK AD No. 010-05-2002,
dated April 15, 2003; and CAA UK AD No. 011-05-2002, dated April 15,
2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 2, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23826 Filed 12-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P