[Federal Register: April 12, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 70)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 18377-18380]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12ap07-7]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22898; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-10-AD;
Amendment 39-15021; AD 2007-08-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Models
3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
McCauley Propeller Systems models 3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-
X propellers, installed on Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO-520,
TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. These propellers are herein
referred to as C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. This AD requires
adding an operational revolutions per minute (RPM) restriction on the
C406 and C409 propellers, and installing an RPM restriction placard in
the cockpit. This AD also adds a 10,000-hour total time-in-service
(TIS) life limit for these propellers. This AD also removes from
[[Page 18378]]
service any propeller that has 10,000 hours or more total TIS, or that
has an unknown total TIS. Also, this AD requires initial and repetitive
propeller blade inspections for damage, and repair if necessary. This
AD results from testing by the manufacturer that identified stress
conditions that affect the fatigue life and damage tolerance of C406
and C409 propellers, when installed on TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550
reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade or hub
failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss
of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 17, 2007. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of May 17, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD
from McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277-7704;
telephone (800) 621-7767.
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff D. Janusz, Aerospace Engineer,
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801
Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, telephone: 316-946-4148,
fax: 316-946-4107.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with a proposed AD. The proposed AD applies to McCauley Propeller
Systems C406 and C409 propellers, installed on TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, or
IO-550 reciprocating engines. We published the proposed AD in the
Federal Register on Nov. 16, 2005 (70 FR 69472). That action proposed
to require adding an operational RPM restriction on the C406 and C409
propellers, and installing an RPM restriction placard in the cockpit.
We coordinated the proposed placard placement with the responsible
Aircraft Certification Offices within the Small Airplane Directorate,
and all proposed installations include a manifold pressure gauge. That
action also proposed to add a 10,000-hour total time-in-service (TIS)
life limit for these propellers. That action also proposed to remove
from service any propeller that has 10,000 hours or more total TIS, or
that has an unknown total TIS. Finally, that action proposed to require
initial and repetitive propeller blade inspections for damage, and
repair if necessary.
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 Office (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.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Financial Burden and Potential Unsafe Condition
One commenter states that this AD will impose a financial burden on
owners and operators of airplanes with this propeller installation
because of the increased number of inspections and additional wear on
the propeller system increasing the probability of the propeller system
failing. The commenter also suggests that stamping a letter on the
propeller model to designate a life-limited propeller could create a
potentially unsafe condition because the stamping can create stress
risers and if improperly treated after stamping, could contribute to
corrosion. The commenter also notes that the airplane model
designations are incorrect and we omitted one model from the airplane
model listing. Finally, the commenter asks why we did not immediately
ground the fleet using this propeller because of the described severity
of the unsafe condition. We partially agree with the comments. Each is
addressed in turn. The increased inspections required by this AD are
necessary to resolve the unsafe condition. Owner operators must
maintain their aircraft in an airworthy condition, which includes
paying for maintenance. We considered that cost and discussed it in the
cost section below. We did not change the AD.
This AD will not result in additional wear and tear on the
propellers, or in increased failures. This AD resolves an unsafe
condition. All actions required are either performed with the propeller
installed, or coincident with the next overhaul or major disassembly.
An experienced, appropriately rated mechanic can do the inspection and
rework without removing the propeller. We did not change the AD.
The manufacturer carefully considered where to stamp the life limit
indication to minimize any stress riser. We have no indications that
his choice was wrong. We did not change the AD.
We agree that this AD should include additional models. We changed
the AD to include the Beech 35-A33 and 35-B33. The Beech 35-A33 and 35-
B33 are now included in Applicability paragraph (c) Table (1).
Grounding the fleet that has the suspect propellers installed is
not required. The unsafe condition identified is due to material
fatigue. The actions required by this AD adequately address the unsafe
condition. We did not change the AD.
Eliminate the Repetitive Inspections of This AD
Another commenter states that the AD does not include a terminating
action to eliminate the recurring inspections necessary to comply with
it. Even if an operator replaces the existing propeller with a new
propeller, the recurring inspections are necessary as long as the
replacement propeller is one of same models identified in the
airworthiness directive. Additionally, the commenter notes that
aircraft performance is also a consideration. This AD will require
operating the engine and propeller combination in a less than full
engine power regime, which could compromise safety in particular
situations associated with departures, arrivals and clearing obstacles.
We partially agree.
This AD imposes the RPM and life limit to correct an unsafe
condition. The recurring inspections are required to enhance safety.
The RPM restriction, imposed propeller life limit, and periodic
propeller blade inspection/rework provide a cost effective means to
correct the unsafe condition without prematurely retiring the
propeller. The RPM restriction does not affect the engine full power
ratings. Takeoff, climb, and descent values remain unchanged.
Therefore, this AD does not compromise safety during departures,
arrivals, and in clearing obstacles. We did not change the AD.
Recall Impacted Propellers
Another commenter believes that the FAA should require a recall of
all propeller models listed in the AD so the manufacturer will be
responsible for the cost of repair and replacement. We do not agree.
The FAA cannot dictate commercial business decisions related to AD
actions. We identified the unsafe condition and are imposing
appropriate corrective action. We did not change the AD.
[[Page 18379]]
Extend the Comment Period
Two commenters asked that we extend the comment period for the
proposed rule to give the general aviation community added time to
review non-proprietary data used to substantiate the proposed action
and to make additional comments. We agree, and extended the comment
period to give the aviation community time to respond. The comments
that we responded to above include any additional comments that came
in.
Correct Date of Service Bulletin
The proposed rule referenced McCauley Propeller Systems Alert
Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB248, dated January 17, 2005. The correct
date is April 19, 2005. We changed the AD to indicate the correct date
of the service bulletin.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments 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
This AD will affect about 2,350 C406 and C409 propellers installed
on airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate it will take three work-
hours per propeller to perform the proposed inspections and repairs. We
also estimate it will take about 0.5 work-hour to install the proposed
cockpit placard, and about 950 airplanes will require the placard. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. A replacement propeller blade
set will cost about $5,200. We estimate 500 propellers in the fleet (or
about 21 percent) would require propeller blade set replacement. Based
on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S.
operators to be $3,202,000.
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 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
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:
2007-08-04 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-15021. Docket
No. FAA-2005-22898; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-10-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 17,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems models
3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X propellers, herein referred
to as C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. These propellers are
installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes in the following
Table 1:
Table 1.--Airplanes That Propellers Are Installed On, But Not Limited To
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airplane models With engine model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beech:
A35, B35, C35, D35, E35, F35, G35, Teledyne Continental Motors
H35, J35, K35, M35, N35, P35, S35, (TCM) IO-520 series and IO-550
V35, V35A, V35B, 35-33, 35-A33, 35- series reciprocating engines.
B33, 35-C33, 35-C33A, E33, E33A,
E33C, F33, F33A, F33C, 36, A36,
A45, and D45.
Beech:
A36TC, B36TC, S35, V35A, V35B...... TCM TSIO-520 series
reciprocating engines.
Navion:
A (L-17B, C), B, D, E, F, G, and H. TCM IO-550 and TSIO-520 series
reciprocating engines.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from testing by the manufacturer that
identified stress conditions that affect the fatigue life and damage
tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers, when installed on TCM IO-520,
TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines. We are issuing this AD to
prevent blade or hub failure that could result in separation of a
propeller blade and 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.
[[Page 18380]]
Installation of Cockpit Placard for RPM Restriction
(f) Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, install a placard on the instrument panel as close
to the tachometer as possible, that states, in \1/8\ inch-high or
higher characters, ``Continuous operation between 2,350-2,450 RPM at
or above 24'' manifold pressure is prohibited''.
The placard shall have red letters, on a white contrasting
background with a red border. For example:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Continuous operation
between 2,350-2,450 RPM
at or above 24'' manifold
pressure is prohibited
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Propellers With Unknown Total Hours TIS, or 10,000 or More Hours Total
TIS on the Effective Date of This AD
(g) For propellers that the total TIS is unknown, or that have
10,000 or more hours total TIS on the effective date of this AD,
remove the propeller from service within 50 hours TIS after the
effective date of this AD.
Propellers With Fewer Than 10,000 Hours Total TIS on the Effective Date
of This AD
(h) For propellers with fewer than 10,000 total hours TIS on the
effective date of this AD, do the following:
(1) Perform an inspection of the propeller blades and repair if
necessary, within 100 hours after the effective date of this AD,
using paragraphs 2.B. through 2.F. of Accomplishment Instructions of
McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB248,
dated April 19, 2005.
(2) At the next propeller overhaul or next major propeller
disassembly, life-limit-stamp the letter ``L'' on the propeller hub
and blades, using paragraph 3 of Accomplishment Instructions of
McCauley Propeller Systems ASB No. ASB248, dated April 19, 2005.
(3) Thereafter, within every 100 hours TIS or at next annual
inspection, whichever occurs first, inspect, and repair if
necessary, the propeller blades using paragraphs 2.B. through 2.F.
of Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems ASB No.
ASB248, dated April 19, 2005.
(4) Remove the propeller from service upon reaching the life
limit of 10,000 hours total TIS.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(i) The Manager, Wichita 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
(j) Contact Jeff D. Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft
Certification Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road,
Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; telephone: 316-946-4148, fax: 316-946-
4107, for more information about this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service
Bulletin No. ASB248, dated April 19, 2005, to perform the actions
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact McCauley
Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, Kansas; telephone (800)
621-7767, 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 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
.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 4, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-6831 Filed 4-11-07; 8:45 am]
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