[Federal Register: October 16, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 200)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 59555-59557]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16oc03-15]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-44-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-
3C/M10876K Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K
propellers, installed on Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes. That AD
currently requires initial and repetitive removal, disassembly,
inspection, and rework if necessary of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model
HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K propellers until blades are replaced with new design
blades, no later than March 31, 1988. This proposed AD would require
installation of new design blades before further flight, on Hartzell
Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K propellers. This proposed AD
is prompted by a review of all currently effective ADs. That review
determined that AD 87-16-02 was not published in the Federal Register
to make it effective to all operators, as opposed to just the operators
who received actual notice of the original AD. We are proposing this AD
to prevent propeller blade separation near the hub, which could result
in engine separation from the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by December 15,
2003.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD:
[sbull] By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No.
2003-NE-44-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
[sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055. [sbull] By e-mail: 9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov.
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: Melissa 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. 2003-NE-44-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,
[[Page 59556]]
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 may 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
On July 31, 1987, the FAA issued Priority Letter AD 87-16-02. That
AD requires initial and repetitive removal, disassembly, inspection,
and, if necessary, rework of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-3C/
M10876K propellers until the existing blades are replaced with new
design blades. That AD requires replacement of the existing blades with
new design blades by March 31, 1988. That action was prompted by
reports of fatigue cracks and corrosion in propeller blades. That
condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller blade separation
near the hub, which could result in separation of the engine from the
airplane.
Actions Since AD 87-16-02 Was Issued
Since that AD was issued, we have reviewed all currently effective
ADs. We found that Priority Letter AD 87-16-02 was not published in the
Federal Register to make it effective to all operators, as opposed to
just the operators who received the original AD. We anticipate that all
affected propellers have the new design blades installed. However, we
are issuing this proposed rule to ensure that all affected propellers
are updated with new design propeller blades.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require installation of new design blades before further flight,
on Hartzell Propeller Inc. Models HC-B5MP-3C/M10876K propellers.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the Proposed AD
On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products,
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in
future AD actions.
Costs of Compliance
We anticipate that all affected propellers have complied with
Priority Letter AD 87-16-02 and have the new design blades installed.
Therefore, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S.
operators to be $0. However, if replacement of the blades is necessary,
we estimate that it would take about 25 work hours per propeller to
perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $65
per work hour. Required parts would cost about $4,300 per propeller
blade. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD per propeller would be $23,125.
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. 2003-NE-44-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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness
directive, to read as follows:
Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Docket No. 2003-NE-44-AD. Supersedes
Priority Letter AD 87-16-02.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by December 15,
2003.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes Priority Letter AD 87-16-02.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-B5MP-3C/
M10876K propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not
limited to, Short Brothers Model SD3-60 airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD is prompted a review of all currently effective ADs.
That review determined that AD 87-16-02 was not published in the
Federal Register to make it effective to all operators, as opposed
to just the operators who received actual notice of the original AD.
We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation near
the hub, which could result in engine separation from 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.
Required Actions
(f) Before further flight, replace propeller blades Model
M10876K with blades Model M10876ASK.
(g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install
propeller blades Model M10876K on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(h) The Manager, Chicago 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.
[[Page 59557]]
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) None.
Related Information
(j) None.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 8, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-26118 Filed 10-15-03; 8:45 am]
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