[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

[[Page 34525]]

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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P