[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 181 (Monday, September 20, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50781-50783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24461]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ()HC-()()Y()-()
Series Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
[[Page 50782]]
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc.
()HC-()()Y()-() series propellers, identified by hub serial numbers,
that were returned to service by Brothers Aero Services Company, Inc.
(BASCO). This proposal would require maintenance actions amounting to
an overhaul of affected propellers. This proposal is prompted by
reports of propellers returned to service by BASCO as overhauled that
had numerous unsafe conditions after being returned to service by
BASCO. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent
propeller failure from the conditions present after being returned to
service by BASCO, and possible airplane loss of control.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 19, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-
[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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., Technical Publications
Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-
4200, fax (937) 778-4365.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-
7031, fax (847) 294-7834.
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 99-NE-21-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. 99-NE-21-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has examined the results
of teardown inspections of six Hartzell Propeller Inc ()HC-()()Y()-()
series propellers returned to service as overhauled by Brothers Aero
Services Company, Inc. (BASCO) that contained numerous unsafe
conditions. BASCO, formerly Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J, had
their certificate revoked by Amended Order of Revocation, dated May 12,
1999. The investigation further revealed that an additional 71 specific
propellers had been returned to service by BASCO from November 1996
through October 1998 that potentially have the same conditions present.
In total, 77 specific propellers have been identified by hub serial
number (S/N). The following unsafe conditions have been found with
propellers returned to service by BASCO:
1. BASCO either introduced or failed to remove potential failure
sites (nicks and scratches) in the shank area of the blades,
2. BASCO failed to perform a cold rolling operation on propeller
blade shanks,
3. Scratches were found in the blade internal bearing bore radius,
4. Blades were found to be below minimum dimensions,
5. Alodine and paint were applied over corrosion on hubs and
blades,
6. Low pitch blade angles were out of specification,
7. The blade surface, beneath the de-ice boots, was not painted nor
treated with a chemical conversion coating (Alodine),
8. Bolts were incorrectly torqued,
9. Wrong parts were used or parts were incorrectly installed,
10. Parts intended for removal from service at overhaul and to be
replaced with new, unused parts, were reused.
These conditions, if not corrected, could result in propeller failure
from the conditions present after being returned to serve by BASCO, and
possible airplane loss of control.
Proposed Actions
Since unsafe conditions have been identified that are likely to
exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the
proposed AD would require maintenance actions that amount to an
overhaul of the affected propellers, identified by hub S/N. One of the
required actions is a cold rolling operation on the blade shanks, which
is part of the manufacturer's recommended overhaul. Not all propeller
repair facilities have the equipment to properly perform this
operation. Additionally, repair facilities must first be qualified by
the manufacturer to perform the process and then repetitively requalify
and recalibrate the machine used in the process.
Economic Analysis
The FAA estimates that 77 propellers installed on aircraft of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD and that it would cost
on average approximately $1,300 to overhaul each propeller. Based on
these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $100,100.
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
[[Page 50783]]
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD.
Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )
series propellers, identified by hub serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in
Table 1 of this airworthiness directive (AD).
Table 1.--Hub Serial Numbers
121, 251, 715, 1111, 1387, 1661, 2383, 2479, 2883, 3059, 3343, 3479,
3717, 3890, 3990, 4690, and 5523
AM911
AN1309, AN2773, AN2826, AN2828, and AN3883
AU42, AU696, AU814, AU992, AU1226, AU1290, AU1416, AU2641, AU2643,
AU2658, AU2699, AU2847, AU7186E, AU8364A, AU8418A and AU12997
BP344, BP715, BP1276, BP1772, BP2121, BP3811, BP3763, BP3978,
BP5674, BP6126, BP6194, BP7141, BP7297, BP7513, BP8199, BP8708, and
BP9586
CH6190 & CH19251
CJ52, CJ54, CJ419, and CJ649
DA1404 and DA1418
DG101
DJ4431, DJ4449, DJ9521A, DJ10407A, DJ11249A, DJ11880A, and DJ11881A
DN3775
DV11 and DV12
FH307
P560
Note 1: 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 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.
Note 2: This AD is limited to propellers returned to service
from November 1996 to October 1998 by Brothers Aero Service Company,
Inc. (BASCO), Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J, revoked by
Amended Order of Revocation, dated May 12, 1999.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent propeller failure from the conditions present after
being returned to service by BASCO, and possible airplane loss of
control, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of
this AD, accomplish the following:
(1) Disassemble,
(2) Clean,
(3) Inspect for the following:
(i) Nicks,
(ii) Scratches,
(iii) Failure of blades to meet minimum dimensions,
(iv) Alodine and/or paint applied over corrosion,
(v) Lack of chemical conversion coating applied beneath the de-
ice boots,
(vi) Bolts incorrectly torqued,
(vii) Incorrect parts,
(viii) Incorrect installation of parts, and
(ix) Reinstallation of parts intended for one-time use.
(4) Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary.
(5) Perform a cold roll operation on the blade shanks,
(6) Reassemble and test.
Note 3: Information on performing an overhaul of the affected
propellers may be found in the applicable Hartzell Propeller Inc.
Overhaul Manual.
Note 4: For a current list of propeller overhaul facilities
approved to perform the blade shank cold rolling procedure contact
Hartzell Product Support, telephone (937) 778-4379. Not all
propeller repair facilities have the equipment to properly perform a
cold roll of the blade shanks.
(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, Chicago Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate
FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then
send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.
Note 5: 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.
(c) 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 airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 13, 1999.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-24461 Filed 9-17-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M