[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52225-52226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26373]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 1997 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 52225]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-10154, AD 97-21-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model 
MTV-3-B-C 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 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C 
propellers. This action requires initial and repetitive dye penetrant 
or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework 
of the propeller hub or replacement with a new model propeller hub. 
This amendment is prompted by reports of cracks in the propeller flange 
area of the hub detected during overhaul. The actions specified in this 
AD are intended to prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in 
propeller blade separation and possible loss of control of the 
aircraft.

DATES: Effective October 22, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 22, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before December 8, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. 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 
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH, Airport Straubing-Wallmuhle, D-94348 
Atting, Germany; telephone (0 94 29) 84 33, fax (0 94 29) 84 32, 
Internet: ``[email protected]''. 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: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone 
(617) 238-7155, fax (617) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe condition may exist on MT-
Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/L250-21 propellers. The LBA 
advises that they have received reports of cracks in the propeller 
flange area of the hub detected during overhaul. The investigation 
revealed that the cracks were created due to high loads, such as those 
associated with aerobatic maneuvers. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller 
blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft.
    MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH has issued (SB) No. 12A, dated July 
17, 1997, that specifies procedures for dye penetrant or eddy current 
inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and, if necessary, rework 
or replacement with serviceable parts. The LBA classified this SB as 
mandatory and issued AD 97-006/2 in order to assure the airworthiness 
of these propellers in Germany.
    This propeller model is manufactured in Germany and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
LBA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the AD will require initial and repetitive dye 
penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, 
and, if necessary, rework or replacement with serviceable parts. The 
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the SB 
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

[[Page 52226]]

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 97-ANE-36-AD.'' 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-21-01  MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-10154. Docket 
97-ANE-36-AD.

    Applicability: MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/
L250-21. These propellers are installed on but not limited to Sukhoi 
29 aircraft.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (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 (b) 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: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller 
blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Perform initial and repetitive dye penetrant or eddy current 
inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework propeller 
hub, Part Number (P/N) B-050, or replace with a propeller hub, P/N 
A-909-A, all in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 12A, dated July 17, 1997, as follows:
    (1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, perform the initial inspection.
    (2) Thereafter, inspect as follows:
    (i) For propellers with hubs, P/N B-050, inspect at intervals 
not to exceed 50 hours TIS, or 6 months since last inspection, 
whichever occurs first.
    (ii) For propellers with hubs, P/N A-909-A, inspect at intervals 
not to exceed 200 hours TIS, or 12 months since last inspection, 
whichever occurs first.
    (3) Following inspection, if no cracks are found, and within 50 
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, rework the existing 
propeller hub, P/N B-050, or install propeller hub, P/N A-909-A.
    (4) Following inspection, if cracks are found, prior to further 
flight remove the existing propeller hub, and replace with a 
serviceable propeller hub.
    (b) 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, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to 
the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 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 inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in 
accordance with the following MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB:

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           Document No.               Pages              Date           
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12A...............................       1-3  July 17, 1997.            
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    Total pages: 3.

    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 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH, 
Airport Straubing-Wallmuhle, D-94348 Atting, Germany; telephone (0 
94 29) 84 33, fax (0 94 29) 84 32, Internet: ``[email protected]''. 
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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 22, 1997.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1997.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-26373 Filed 10-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P