[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 230 (Tuesday, December 1, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66078-66079]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31859]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 230 / Tuesday, December 1, 1998 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 66078]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD]


Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model 
MTV-3-B-C Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-
3-B-C propellers, that currently 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 action would allow the repetitive dye penetrant 
inspections to be performed on-wing as opposed to at approved propeller 
repair stations, and to mark B-050 propeller hubs that have been 
modified in accordance with the current AD or this revision. This 
proposal is prompted by issuance of a revised service bulletin that 
describes procedures for on-wing inspections. The actions specified by 
the proposed AD are intended to prevent propeller hub cracks, which 
could result in propeller blade separation and possible loss of control 
of the aircraft.

DATES: Comments must be received by February 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
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. Comments may be inspected at 
this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 Regional 
Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

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 
(781) 238-7155, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal 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.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On September 26, 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
issued AD 97-21-01, Amendment 39-10154 (62 FR 52225, October 7, 1997), 
applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C propellers, 
to require 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. That 
action was prompted by reports of cracks in the propeller flange area 
of the hub detected during overhaul. That 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.
    Since the issuance of that AD, MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH issued 
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 12C, dated April 3, 1998, that describes 
procedures for optional on-wing inspections. The FAA has revised the 
compliance section of this proposed rule to clarify when on-wing 
inspections are permissible.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would revise AD 97-21-01 to allow repetitive dye penetrant 
inspections to be performed on-wing as opposed to at approved propeller 
repair stations, and to mark B-050 propeller hubs that have been 
modified in accordance with the current AD or this revised AD.
    There are approximately 122 propellers of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 57 propellers installed on 
aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take approximately 5 work hours per propeller to accomplish 
the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $17,100.

[[Page 66079]]

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 39-10154 (62 FR 
52225, October 7, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
to read as follows:

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD. Revises AD 
97-21-01, Amendment 39-10154.

    Applicability: MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/
L250-21 propellers. 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 (c) 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) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Perform an initial dye penetrant or eddy current inspection 
of propeller hub, part number (P/N) B-050 or A-909-A, in accordance 
with paragraph (a) of MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998. The dye penetrant inspection may 
be done on-wing, but the eddy current inspection must be performed 
in an FAA-approved propeller repair station.
    (2) If cracks are found, prior to further flight, remove the 
existing propeller hub and replace with a serviceable propeller hub.
    (3) Rework propeller hubs, P/N B-050, by chamfering the hub bore 
to 0.08 inch x 45 degrees (for further information, see Detail Y of 
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998). Mark 
hubs that have been reworked in accordance with AD 97-21-01, or this 
revised AD, with the letters SB12C using a metal impression stamp 
(1/8 inch round bottom characters) above the propeller hub serial 
number and part number, located in the transition area between 
propeller blades 1 and 2 and the pitch change cylinder.
    (b) Thereafter, perform dye penetrant or eddy current 
inspections, in accordance with paragraph (a) of MT-Propeller 
Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin (SB) No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998. 
The dye penetrant inspection may be done on-wing, but the eddy 
current inspection must be performed in an FAA-approved propeller 
repair station:
    (1) 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.
    (2) 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) If cracks are found, prior to further flight, remove the 
existing propeller hub and replace with a serviceable propeller hub.
    (c) 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.

    (d) 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 23, 1998.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-31859 Filed 11-30-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U