[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 123 (Monday, June 28, 1999)]
[Unknown Section]
[Pages 34523-34525]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-15924]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-11206; AD 97-21-01 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model
MTV-3-B-C Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises 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 amendment allows 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
[[Page 34524]]
the current AD or this revision. This amendment is prompted by issuance
of a revised service bulletin that describes procedures for on-wing
inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect
and prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller blade
separation and possible loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: Effective August 27, 1999.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of August 27, 1999.
ADDRESSES: 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW, 7th Floor, 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
(781) 238-7155, fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising airworthiness
directive (AD) 97-21-01, Amendment 39-62 FR 52225, October 7, 1997),
which is applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C
propellers, was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 1998
(63 FR 66078). The action proposed 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.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the
adoption of the rule as proposed.
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 will be affected by this AD, that it will
take approximately 5 work hours per propeller to accomplish the
required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $17,100.
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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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
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,
Amendment 39-11206, to read as follows:
97-21-01 R1 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-11206.
Docket 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 airplane,
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 the propeller hub is found to be cracked, 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 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 the propeller hub is found to be cracked, 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
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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.
(e) The actions required by this AD shall be accomplished in
accordance with the following MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB:
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Document No. Pages Date
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12C............................... 1-3 March 4, 1998.
Total pages: 3.
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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 Regional 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.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 27, 1999.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 16, 1999.
Jorge Fernandez,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 99-15924 Filed 6-25-99; 8:45 am]
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