[Federal Register: April 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 65)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17315-17317]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06ap05-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 83-ANE-14-AD; Amendment 39-14043; AD 83-08-01R2]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 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
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD),
that 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. That AD 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 requires a onetime 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 AD requires the same actions, and includes the
use of other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers.
This 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 or
other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, to the
engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section of this AD. We
are issuing this AD to preclude propeller attaching bolt failures or
improperly secured propellers, which could lead to separation of the
propeller from the airplane.
[[Page 17316]]
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 11, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Contact Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications
Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-
4200; fax (937) 778-4391, for the service information referenced in
this AD. 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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies
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 by revising AD 83-08-01R1, Amendment 39-4633 (48
FR 17576, April 25, 1983), which is applicable to the same
turbopropellers. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register
on October 20, 2004 (69 FR 61611). That action proposed to require the
same actions as AD 83-08-01R1, except that it would not be applicable
to propellers installed using P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2
washers, and it would not require an additional onetime torque-check of
P/N A-2047 bolts. This 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 or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers,
to the engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section of this
AD.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the one comment received.
Request To Add Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts
One commenter requests that we modify the compliance section to
state that PMA equivalent parts can also be used to attach the
propeller. The commenter states that the proposed AD did not reference
all FAA-PMA parts.
We partially agree. For clarification, we have added references to
the use of other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers,
in lieu of using only P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers.
Correction of Petrolated Graphite Military Specification Number
We have corrected the Petrolated Graphite Military Specification
number in the compliance section from MIL-T-5544 to MIL-T-83483.
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comment 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
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 AD. We also estimate that all of
these propellers likely have upgraded to the P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N
A-2048-2 washers, or equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and
washers, since issuance of the original AD. The average labor rate is
$65 per work hour. Bolt and washer replacement will require about 1.5
work hours. Required parts will cost about $260 per propeller. Based on
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to replace the
bolts and washers for all 11,900 turbopropellers, to be $4,248,300.
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 Analysis
This final rule does not have federalism implications, as defined
in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. Accordingly,
the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to publication
of this final rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to 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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-4633 (48 FR 17576,
April 25, 1983) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment
39-14043, to read as follows:
83-08-01R2 Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell
Propeller): Amendment 39-14043. 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 typically
installed on
[[Page 17317]]
Pratt & Whitney Canada Model PT6A-() series engines. The HC-B()TN-5
and HC-B()MN-5 series propellers are typically 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, 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-83483 Petrolated Graphite, or Hartzell Lubricant
part number (P/N) A-3338, to threads of the eight P/N B-3339
attaching bolts (and remainder of bolt if desired) and to flat
surfaces of the eight P/N A-2048-2 washers, or to other equivalent
FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers.
(4) Install the eight P/N B-3339 attaching bolts and eight P/N
A-2048-2 washers, or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts
and 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 ft.-lbs. to 105 ft.-
lbs. Safety wire all attaching bolts in an FAA-approved manner.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06AP05.013
(6) Once the propeller is installed with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/
N A-2048-2 washers, or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable
bolts and 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 ft-lbs. 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, or other equivalent
FAA-approved serviceable bolts and 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, or other
equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers. Use
paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this AD to do the replacements.
(5) Hartzell Service Instructions No. 140A, Revision 9, dated
March 30, 2005, 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.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on May 11, 2005.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 30, 2005.
Diane Cook,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6778 Filed 4-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P