[Federal Register: January 8, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 5)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 1001-1003]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr08ja03-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NE-25-AD; Amendment 39-13014; AD 2003-01-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model ( )HC-(
)2Y( )-( ) propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( )
propellers, with certain serial numbers (SN's) of two-bladed aluminum
propeller hubs part numbers (P/N's) D-6522-1, D-6522-2, D-6529-1, and
D-6559-3 installed. This action requires removal from service of those
certain SN's of two-bladed aluminum propeller hubs and replacement with
serviceable hubs. This amendment is prompted by a two-bladed aluminum
propeller hub manufacturing quality control problem. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent in-flight propeller blade
separation resulting in airframe and engine damage, and possible loss
of the airplane.
DATES: Effective January 23, 2003. The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of
the Federal Register as of January 23, 2003.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 10, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NE-25-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov''.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937)
778-4391. This information may be examined, 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 August 19, 2002, the FAA was notified by
Hartzell Propeller Inc. that certain two-bladed aluminum propeller hub
SN's installed in 2-bladed propellers were found to have subsurface
discontinuities in the aluminum. Some of these hubs have been installed
in propellers and some have been shipped as spares. The discontinuities
were not removed during the propeller hub forging process, and could
initiate fatigue cracking in the propeller hub arms. This final rule;
request for comments, replaces affected hubs determined to be under
higher stresses based on specific airplane installation, within 50
hours time-since-new (TSN) or 12 months from the effective date of the
AD, whichever occurs first, and affected hubs determined to be under
lower stresses based on specific airplane installation, within 100
hours TSN or 12 months from the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first. This condition, if not corrected, could result in in-
flight propeller blade separation, airframe and engine damage, and
possible loss of the airplane.
Manufacturer's Service Information
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin
[[Page 1002]]
(ASB) HC-ASB-61-259, dated September 4, 2002, that provides a SN list
of 123 affected propeller hubs and describes procedures for hub
replacement. This AD action has denoted the remaining 52 serial
numbered propeller hubs that need to be replaced.
FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other propeller hubs of the same type design, this
AD is being issued to prevent in-flight propeller blade separation
resulting in airframe and engine damage, and possible loss of airplane
control. This AD requires removal from service of certain two-bladed
aluminum propeller hubs identified by SN and replacement with
serviceable two-bladed aluminum propeller hubs. This action lists the
remaining 52 serial numbered propeller hubs that need to be replaced.
The actions are required to be done in accordance with the alert
service bulletin described previously.
Immediate Adoption of This AD
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NE-25-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action''
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the
caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2003-01-03 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-13014. Docket No.
2002-NE-25-AD.
Applicability
This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hartzell
Propeller Inc. model ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) propellers, with propeller
hub part numbers (P/N's) D-6522-1, D-6522-2, D-6529-1, and D-6559-3,
with the serial numbers (SN's) listed in the following Table 1:
Table 1.--Applicable Propellers and Hubs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Propeller SN Hub SN Hub P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AU11115B.......................... A61365B D-6522-1
AU11116B.......................... A61366B D-6522-1
AU11117B.......................... A61367B D-6522-1
AU11119B.......................... A61369B D-6522-1
AU11125B.......................... A61375B D-6522-1
AU11131B.......................... A61381B D-6522-1
AU11134B.......................... A61384B D-6522-1
AU11135B.......................... A61385B D-6522-1
AY515B............................ A61397B D-6522-2
AY516B............................ A61398B D-6522-2
CH36140B.......................... A61409B D-6529-1
CH36141B.......................... A61410B D-6529-1
CH36151B.......................... A61420B D-6529-1
CH36152B.......................... A61421B D-6529-1
CH36153B.......................... A61422B D-6529-1
CH36157B.......................... A61427B D-6529-1
EU376B............................ A61443B D-6559-3
CH36172B.......................... A61547B D-6529-1
CH36159B.......................... A61553B D-6529-1
CH36160B.......................... A61554B D-6529-1
CH36162B.......................... A61556B D-6529-1
CH36163B.......................... A61557B D-6529-1
CH36165B.......................... A61560B D-6529-1
CH36188B.......................... A61563B D-6529-1
CH36193B.......................... A61568B D-6529-1
CH36194B.......................... A61569B D-6529-1
[[Page 1003]]
CH36195B.......................... A61570B D-6529-1
CH36196B.......................... A61571B D-6529-1
CH36178B.......................... A61573B D-6529-1
CH36179B.......................... A61574B D-6529-1
CH36181B.......................... A61576B D-6529-1
CH36182B.......................... A61577B D-6529-1
CH36183B.......................... A61578B D-6529-1
CH36198B.......................... A61583B D-6529-1
CH36199B.......................... A61584B D-6529-1
CH36200B.......................... A61585B D-6529-1
CH36201B.......................... A61586B D-6529-1
CH36202B.......................... A61587B D-6529-1
CH36203B.......................... A61588B D-6529-1
CH36204B.......................... A61589B D-6529-1
CH36205B.......................... A61590B D-6529-1
CH36209B.......................... A61594B D-6529-1
CH36211B.......................... A61596B D-6529-1
CH36212B.......................... A61597B D-6529-1
CH36213B.......................... A61598B D-6529-1
CH36215B.......................... A61601B D-6529-1
CH36216B.......................... A61602B D-6529-1
AU11145B.......................... A61603B D-6522-1
AU11147B.......................... A61605B D-6522-1
AU11155B.......................... A61613B D-6522-1
AY520B............................ A61743B D-6522-2
AU11175B.......................... A61893B D-6522-1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
These propellers are installed on, but not limited to the
following:
AMERICAN CHAMPION 8GCBC, 8KCAB
AERMACCHI S.p.A. S.208, S.208A
BEECH 95 series
BELLANCA 14-19-3, 14-19-3A
CESSNA 170 series, 172 series, 175 series, 177, A188A, A188B, T188C,
310 series
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT DA-40
LAKE (REVO) LA-4, LA-4-200
MAULE Aerospace Technology, Inc. M(T)-7-235( ), M-5-235C, M-6-235,
M(X)-7-235
MOONEY M20 series
Pilatus BRITTEN-NORMAN LTD BN-2 series, MK III, MK III-2, MK III-3
PIPER PA-23, PA-23-160, PA-24, PA-24-260, PA-25-260,
PA-28-140, PA-32-300, PA-32S-300, PA-34-200, PA-44-180T
SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE MS-200, MS 894A, MS 894E, TB-20, TB-21
Sky International Inc (Husky) A-1, S-1T, S-2A, S-2S (previous owners
were Christian Industries; Aviat, Inc.; White International, LTD.)
Univair Aircraft Corporation 108 series (previous owner was Stinson)
Vulcanair S.p.A. P68 series (previous owner was Partenavia
Construzioni Aeronautiche S.p.A)
Note 1: The parentheses that appear in the propeller models
indicate the presence or absence of additional letter(s) which vary
the basic propeller hub model designation. This airworthiness
directive is applicable regardless of whether these letters are
present or absent on the propeller hub model designation.
Note 2: 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 is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) 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 prevent in-flight propeller blade separation resulting in
airframe and engine damage, and possible loss of the airplane, do
the following:
(a) For Piper PA-32( ) series airplanes with Lycoming 540 series
engines rated at 300 horse power or higher, Britten Norman BN-2
series airplanes with Lycoming 540 series engines, acrobatic
airplanes including certificated acrobatic airplanes, military
trainers, any airplanes routinely exposed to acrobatics usage, and
airplanes used for agricultural purposes, remove affected hubs
listed by SN in Table 1 of this AD within 50 hours time-since-new
(TSN) or 12 months from the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, and replace with serviceable hubs, in accordance with
paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B.(3) of ASB HC-ASB-61-259, dated
September 4, 2002.
(b) For airplanes other than those listed in paragraph (a) of
this AD, remove affected hubs listed by SN in Table 1 of this AD
within 100 hours TSN or 12 months from the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first, and replace with serviceable hubs, in
accordance with paragraphs 3.A. through 3.B.(3) of ASB HC-ASB-61-
259, dated September 4, 2002.
(c) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any
propeller assembly that has a hub with a P/N D-6522-1, D-6522-2, D-
6529-1, or D-6559-3, with a SN listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) 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 (ACO). Operators must submit their requests through an
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add
comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive,
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago ACO.
Special Flight Permits
(e) 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.
Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference
(f) The propeller hub replacements must be done in accordance
with Alert Service Bulletin Hartzell Propeller Inc. HC-ASB-61-259,
dated September 4, 2002. This incorporation by reference was
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax
(937) 778-4391. Copies may be inspected 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.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on January 23, 2003.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 31, 2002.
Robert J. Ganley,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-226 Filed 1-7-03; 8:45 am]
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