[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 72 (Friday, April 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16226-16229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8951]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-ANE-47; Amendment 39-9566; AD 95-24-05 R1]


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna 
Aircraft Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93 
Series Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93 series 
propellers, that currently requires initial and repetitive visual and 
dye penetrant inspections of the propeller hub for cracks. This 
existing AD also requires a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks 
in the threaded areas of the propeller hub followed by modification of 
the hub to contain oil with red dye as a terminating action to the 
repetitive inspections. This amendment clarifies that a dye penetrant 
inspection is only necessary if crack indications are found or 
suspected during the visual inspection. This amendment is prompted by 
requests from operators for clarification of inspection procedures. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent propeller blade 
separation due to a cracked propeller hub, which could result in 
separation of the engine from the aircraft and subsequent loss of 
aircraft control.

DATES: Effective April 12, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 18, 1995. (60 FR 61645, December 1, 1995).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 11, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-47, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, 3535 McCauley 
Dr., Vandalia, OH 45377-0430; telephone (513) 890-5246, fax (513) 890-
6001. This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Assistant Chief 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: Patricia Bonnen, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Ave., Room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 
294-7134, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 7, 1995, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued AD 95-24-05, Amendment 39-9437 (60 FR 
61645, December 1, 1995), applicable to McCauley Accessory Division, 
The Cessna Aircraft Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, 
C92, and C93 series propellers, to require initial and repetitive 
visual and dye penetrant inspections of the propeller hub for cracks. 
That AD also requires a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks in 
the threaded areas of the propeller hub followed by modification of the 
hub to contain oil with red dye, which constitutes terminating action 
to the repetitive visual and dye-penetrant inspections. That action was 
prompted by several reports of cracked propeller hubs. Additionally, 
two incidents have occurred where the propeller blades separated during 
flight. That condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller 
blade separation due to a cracked propeller hub, which could result in 
separation of the engine from the aircraft and subsequent loss of 
aircraft control.
    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received requests from

[[Page 16227]]

operators for clarification of inspection procedures. The AD as 
currently written could be interpreted to mean that both visual and dye 
penetrant inspections must be performed concurrently. As McCauley 
Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994, states, dye penetrant inspection is 
only necessary if crack indications are found or suspected during the 
visual inspection. This revised AD clarifies the inspection procedures 
to show that the dye penetrant inspection need not be performed 
concurrently with the visual inspection, but sequentially, and only if 
the visual inspection reveals actual or suspected crack indications.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the 
following service documents: McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna 
Aircraft Company, SB No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994, that describes 
procedures for an initial and repetitive visual and dye penetrant 
inspections of propeller hubs for cracks; and McCauley Service Letter 
(SL) No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995, that describes procedures for 
eddy current inspection for cracks in the threaded areas of the 
propeller hub and modification of the hub to contain oil with red dye, 
which provides a built-in means of crack detection, as well as improved 
lubrication and corrosion protection.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other propellers of this same type design, this AD 
revises AD 95-24-05 to clarify that a dye penetrant inspection is only 
necessary if crack indications are found or suspected during the visual 
inspection. The other requirements of AD 95-24-05 remain unchanged. The 
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service 
documents described previously.
    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 notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 94-ANE-47.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 removing Amendment 39-9437 (60 FR 
61645, December 1, 1995) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-9566, to read as follows:

95-24-05 R1 McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company: Amendment 39-95-24-05R1. Docket 94-ANE-47. Revises AD 95-
24-05, Amendment 39-9437.

    Applicability: McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93 
series propellers, incorporating the following Hub Models:

D3AF32C35-( )
    3AF32C72-( )
    3AF34C74-( )
    3AF32C75-( )
D3AF32C80-( )
    3AF34C86-( )
    3AF32C87-( )
D3AF32C87-( )
    3AF34C92-( )
    3AF32C93-( )

    The parentheses used in the above list indicate the presence or 
absence of an additional letter(s) which vary the basic propeller 
hub model designation. These letter(s) define minor changes that do 
not affect interchangeability or eligibility, and therefore, this 
airworthiness directive (AD) still applies regardless of whether 
these letters are present or absent on the propeller hub model 
designation.
    These propellers are installed on but not limited to the 
following aircraft:
    Beech 58, 58A, 95-C55, -C55A, -D55, -D55A, -E55, -E55A.
    British Aerospace B-206 Series 2.
    Cessna 310K, 310L, 310N, 310P, 310Q, 310R, T310P, T310Q, T310R, 
320D, 320E, 320F, 335, 340, 340A, 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 
402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B.
    Colemill Executive 600 (Conversion of Cessna 310I, 310J, 310K, 
310L, 310N).
    RAM Conversion of Cessna 340.

    Note 1: The above is not an exhaustive list of aircraft which 
may contain the affected

[[Page 16228]]

McCauley Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93 
series propellers, incorporating Models D3AF32C35, 3AF32C72, 
3AF34C74, 3AF32C75, D3AF32C80, 3AF34C86, 3AF32C87, D3AF32C87, 
3AF34C92, and 3AF32C93 propeller hubs because of installation 
approvals made by Supplemental Type Certificate or Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) Form 337 ``Major Repair and Alteration,'' etc. 
It is the responsibility of the owner, operator and person returning 
the aircraft to service to determine if an aircraft has an affected 
propeller.

    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 use the authority 
provided in paragraph (g) to request approval from the FAA. This 
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration 
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to 
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any propeller from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent propeller blade separation due to a cracked propeller 
hub, which could result in separation of the engine from the 
aircraft and subsequent loss of aircraft control, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within the next 25 hours time in service (TIS) after 
December 18, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-24-05), unless 
already accomplished within the last 35 hours TIS, and thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 60 hours TIS, perform a visual inspection 
for cracks and, if crack indications are found or suspected, confirm 
cracks by a dye penetrant inspection on propeller hubs in accordance 
with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994. Any 
propeller hubs found cracked during this inspection are to be 
permanently retired from service and replaced with a serviceable hub 
modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD, or with an 
equivalent initial production propeller which has incorporated a hub 
containing oil with red dye.
    (b) For affected propellers identified with the change letter 
``R'' following the hub model designation and having an oil-fill 
plug in the side of the hub, compliance is required only with 
paragraphs (d) and (f) of this AD.
    (c) Perform a one-time eddy current inspection and modify 
serviceable propeller hubs in accordance with the following schedule 
and requirements:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Propeller time-in-service (TIS) on the                                
         effective date of this AD               Compliance required    
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Greater than 900 hours or 59 calendar       Within the next 300 hours or
 months since last overhaul/penetrant        at the next annual         
 inspection or installed new, or prior TIS   inspection or by December  
 unknown.                                    31, 1996, whichever occurs 
                                             first.                     
Less than or equal to both 900 hours and    Prior to the accumulation of
 59 calendar months since last overhaul/     1,200 hours or 60 calendar 
 penetrant inspection or installed new.      months since last overhaul/
                                             penetrant inspection or    
                                             installed new, whichever   
                                             occurs first.              
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Perform a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks in the 
threaded areas of the propeller hubs in accordance with McCauley 
Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, Service Letter (SL) 
No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995.
    (2) Any propeller hubs found cracked during the eddy current 
inspection are to be permanently retired from service and replaced 
with a serviceable hub modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD, or with an equivalent initial production propeller which 
has incorporated a hub containing oil with red dye.
    (3) Modify affected propeller hubs to contain oil with red dye, 
in accordance with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company, SL No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995. Completion of this 
modification of the hub to contain oil with red dye constitutes 
terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note: The modification of the propeller hub assembly to contain 
oil with a red dye provides an ``on-condition'' (in- service) means 
of early crack detection of the propeller assembly and also improves 
lubrication and corrosion protection. The oil will add approximately 
4.0 lbs. to the weight of the propeller assembly.
    (4) Previous compliance with McCauley Accessory Division, SL 
1993-11, dated September 15, 1993, also constitutes compliance with 
paragraphs (a) and (c) of this AD.
    (5) Install Decal-Warning ``Oil Filled'', part number B-6493, in 
accordance with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company, SL No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995, Figure F-9.
    (d) If leakage of oil containing red dye is detected in service 
(whether during flight or while on the ground), determine, prior to 
further flight, the source of leakage in accordance with the 
procedures specified in Section A-7 of McCauley SL No. 1993-11A, 
dated June 20, 1995. Remove from service, prior to further flight, 
propeller assemblies that exhibit cracks and replace with a 
serviceable unit, modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this 
AD, or with an equivalent initial production propeller that has 
incorporated a hub containing oil with red dye. Oil-filled 
propellers are identified with the change letter ``R'' following the 
Hub Model Designation and have an oil-fill plug in the side of the 
hub.
    (e) The ``calendar month'' compliance times stated in this AD 
allow the performance of the required action up to the last day of 
the month in which compliance is required. For example, a required 
eddy current inspection and modification 60 calendar months from 
last overhaul/penetrant inspection that was performed on December 
15, 1991, would allow the eddy current inspection and modification 
to be performed no later than December 31, 1996.
    (f) Report in writing any cracks found during the accomplishment 
of paragraphs (a), (c) or (d) of this AD to the Manager, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 
294-7134, fax (847) 294-7834, within 10 days of the inspection. 
Information collection requirements contained in the regulation have 
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-511) and 
has been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (g) 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. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (i) The inspections and modification required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with the following McCauley Accessory 
Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, service documents:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document No.              Pages              Date           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB 200C............................      1-4  Jan. 20, 1994.            
                                   -------                              
    Total pages:                           4                            
SL 1993-11A:                                                            
Cover Page.........................        1  June 20, 1995.            
  Section A........................      1-4  June 20, 1995.            
  Section B........................        1  June 20, 1995.            
  Section C........................        1  June 20, 1995.            
  Section D........................      1-7  June 20, 1995.            
  Section E........................     1-10  June 20, 1995.            
  Section F........................     1-15  June 20, 1995.            
  Section G........................        1  June 20, 1995.            
  Section H........................      1-4  June 20, 1995.            
  Section I........................      1-4  June 20, 1995.            
                                   -------                              
    Total pages:                          48                            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal

[[Page 16229]]

Register as of December 18, 1995. (60 FR 61645, December 1, 1995) in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft 
Company, 3535 McCauley Dr., Vandalia, OH 45377-0430; telephone (513) 
890-5246, fax (513) 890-6001. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.
    (j) This amendment becomes effective on April 12, 1996.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-8951 Filed 4-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P