[Federal Register: October 29, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 209)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61607-61608]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29oc03-1]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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[[Page 61607]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NE-47-AD; Amendment 39-13352; AD 2003-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-A6A-3
Series Propellers.
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-A6A-3 series propellers with A10460
series composite blades. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual
inspections of A10460 series composite blades for cracks. This AD is
prompted by reports of cracks in propeller blades, including an in-
flight separation of a blade that caused damage to the airplane. We are
issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller blade due to
possible fatigue failure, which could result in damage to the airplane
and possible loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 13, 2003.
We must receive any comments on this AD by December 29, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD:
[sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2003-NE-47-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 can get the service information referenced in this AD from
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937)
778-4391.
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. You may examine the service
information, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: (847) 294-
7031; fax: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 31, 2003, a model A10460 series
composite propeller blade separated from a model HC-A6A-3 series
propeller while in flight and damaged the airplane. The model HC-A6A-3
series propeller was installed on the right-hand engine on a Short
Brothers Ltd. SD3-60 Variant 200 airplane, commonly referred to as a
Series 300 airplane. The manufacturer of the propeller issued an alert
service bulletin (ASB) on September 10, 2003 to require initial and
repetitive visual inspections of the composite blades for cracks. On
September 12, the manufacturer reported that another cracked blade was
found on an airplane when the propellers were inspected using the ASB.
Because the manufacturer and the FAA are continuing their
investigations into the causes of the cracks, there is no terminating
action for the repetitive inspections.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell
Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-265, dated September 10, 2003, that
describes procedures for visually inspecting the composite propeller
blade on-wing and at overhaul.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propellers of the same type
design. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller
blade due to possible fatigue failure, which could result in damage to
the airplane and possible loss of control of the airplane. This AD
requires:
[sbull] An initial visual inspection of the propeller blades for
cracks within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, but
no later than 30 days after the effective date of this AD; and
[sbull] Repetitive visual inspections of the propeller blades for
cracks at intervals of 300 flight hours and at every overhaul, and
[sbull] Replacing any cracked blade before further flight.
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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative
methods of compliance, and altered products. 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.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
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
[[Page 61608]]
comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No.
2003-NE-47-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.
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 with you. You can 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.
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. 2003-NE-47-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 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:
2003-22-05 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-13352. Docket No.
2003-NE-47-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November
13, 2003.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-A6A-3
series propellers with A10460 series composite blades installed.
These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, Short
Brothers Ltd. SD3-60 Series airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in propeller
blades, including an in-flight separation of a blade that caused
damage to the airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation
of the propeller blade due to possible fatigue failure, which could
result in damage to the airplane and possible 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.
Initial On-wing Visual Inspection
(f) Perform an initial on-wing visual inspection of the A10460
series composite propeller blades for cracks within 100 flight hours
(FH) after the effective date of this AD, but do not exceed 30 days
after the effective date of this AD. You can find information on
inspecting for cracks in Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-265.
(g) If you find a crack, replace the blade before further
flight.
Repetitive Inspections
(h) Thereafter, perform a visual inspection of the A10460 series
composite propeller blades for cracks within intervals of 300 FH
since-last-inspection. You can find information on inspecting for
cracks in Hartzell Propellers Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-265.
(i) If you find a crack, replace the blade before further
flight.
(j) At each propeller overhaul, inspect the A10460 series
composite propeller blades for cracks. You can find information on
inspecting for cracks in Hartzell Propellers Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-
265.
(k) If you find a crack, replace the blade.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(l) 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) None.
Related Information
(n) Hartzell Propellers Inc. Alert Service Bulletin No. HC-ASB-
61-265 contains information on inspecting the propeller blades for
cracks.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 22, 2003.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-27102 Filed 10-28-03; 8:45 am]
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