[Federal Register: April 12, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 70)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 18375-18377]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12ap07-6]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27552; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-AD;
Amendment 39-15019; AD 2007-08-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(
)/ E10950( ) Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (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-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) propellers. This AD
requires initial and repetitive inspections and rework of the propeller
blade retention radius, and replacement of the propeller blade thrust
bearing, for each blade. This AD results from reports of excessive
propeller vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust
bearings found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly.
We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to
the airplane, and possible loss of airplane control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 27, 2007. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of April 27, 2007.
We must receive any comments on this AD by June 11, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: tim.smyth@faa.gov;
telephone: (847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of excessive
propeller vibration, and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust
bearings on Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( )
propellers found during routine and investigative propeller
disassembly. At least 15 propellers have been reported with broken
propeller blade thrust bearings. During teardowns, instances of bearing
failures have been progressively more severe, with more internal damage
to the hub noted. Service history shows the propellers can safely
accumulate 2,000 operating hours time-since-overhaul (TSO) before the
unsafe conditions start to appear. A broken thrust bearing can lead to
damage to the propeller hub and blade shank, and blade separation from
the hub. These damaged or broken parts can also lead to damage to the
internal propeller pitch change mechanism, resulting in loss of
propeller pitch control or in difficulty in feathering the propeller.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller blade
separation, damage to the airplane, and possible loss of airplane
control. Repairing the propeller blade retention radius using the
instructions cited in Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No.
HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, allows the propeller
to safely operate for 3,000 hours before requiring bearing replacement.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell
Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006.
That SB describes procedures for initial and repetitive propeller blade
inspection, rework, and thrust bearing replacement, for each blade.
[[Page 18376]]
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated
October 24, 2006, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment
Instructions, to install new blade thrust bearings if required.
However, this AD removes the option of ``if required,'' and mandates
that operators must always install new blade thrust bearings.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( )
propellers of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing
this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the airplane,
and possible loss of airplane control. You must use the service
information described previously to perform the actions required by
this AD.
This AD requires:
For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours TSO,
initial inspection and rework of the propeller blade retention radius
and replacement of the propeller thrust bearing for each blade, within
100 operating hours after the effective date of the AD; and
For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but
fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO, inspection and rework of the
propeller blade retention radius and replacement of the propeller
thrust bearing, for each blade, at the next propeller disassembly; and
Thereafter, after every 3,000 additional operating hours
time-in-service, inspection and rework of the propeller blade retention
radius and replacement of the propeller blade thrust bearing, for each
blade.
You must use the service information described previously to
perform the actions 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.
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 send us any written relevant data,
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2007-27552;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify it.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the Docket
Management System (DMS) Web site, anyone can find and read the comments
in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent
the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65
FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation
Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments
will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
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 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 this AD:
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 at the
address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
2007-08-02 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-15019; Docket No.
FAA-2007-27552; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
27, 2007.
[[Page 18377]]
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3(
)/E10950( ) propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not
limited to, Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D airplanes.
(d) The parentheses appearing in the propeller model number
indicates the presence or absence of an additional letter(s) that
varies the basic propeller model. This AD still applies regardless
of whether these letters are present or absent in the propeller
model designation.
Unsafe Condition
(e) This AD results from reports of excessive propeller
vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust bearings
found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly. We are
issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the
airplane, and possible loss of airplane control.
Interim Action
(f) These actions are interim actions and we may take further
rulemaking actions in the future.
Compliance
(g) 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 Inspection, Rework, and Replacement
(h) For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours time-
since-overhaul (TSO, initially inspect and rework the propeller
blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust bearing for
each blade, within 100 operating hours.
(i) For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but
fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO, inspect and rework the
propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust
bearing, for each blade, at the next propeller disassembly.
(j) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin No. HC-SB-
61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do the actions in
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
(k) Although Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287,
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of
the Accomplishment Instructions, to install new blade thrust
bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new blade
thrust bearings.
Repetitive Inspection, Rework, and Replacement
(l) Thereafter, after every 3,000 additional operating hours
time-in-service, inspect and rework the propeller blade retention
radius and replace the propeller blade thrust bearing, for each
blade.
(m) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287,
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do these actions.
(n) Although paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287,
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states to install new blade
thrust bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new
blade thrust bearings.
Definition
(o) For the purpose of this AD, next propeller disassembly is
defined as any maintenance requiring separating of the propeller hub
halves.
Previous Credit
(p) Previous credit is allowed for inspections, rework, and
replacements that were done using the Original or Revision 1 of
Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, before the effective
date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(q) 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.
Related Information
(r) Contact Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East
Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: tim.smyth@faa.gov;
telephone: (847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834, for more information
about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(s) You must use the Hartzell Propeller Inc. service information
specified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the checks required by
this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 1 of
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department,
One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax
(937) 778-4391, for a copy of this service information. You may
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 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service
Bulletin No. Page Revision Date
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HC-SB-61-287, Total Pages: 32......... ALL...................... 2 October 24, 2006.
Appendix to HC-SB-61-287, Total Pages: ALL...................... 2 October 24, 2006.
2.
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Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 3, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-6586 Filed 4-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P