[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 224 (Tuesday, November 20, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58077-58080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28792]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Compact Series 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to 
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable 
to Hartzell models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( )( ) compact series, constant 
speed or feathering propellers with Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank 
blades. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive blade 
inspections; rework of all ``Y'' shank blades including cold rolling of 
the blade shank retention radius; blade replacement and modification of 
pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the 
airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers 
installed. These inspections and modifications are required to detect 
and prevent fatigue cracks that might result in blade separation. This 
proposal would require initial blade inspections, with no repetitive 
inspections; rework of all ``Y'' shank blades including cold rolling of 
the blade shank retention radius, blade replacement and modification of 
pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the 
airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers 
installed. This proposal is prompted by FAA reviews of propeller 
service histories since the issuance of AD 77-12-06 R2. The actions 
specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the 
propeller blade from fatigue cracks in the blade shank radius, which 
can result in damage to the airplane and loss of airplane control.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 22, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments to the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: 
Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at this location, 
by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via the Internet 
using the following address: ``[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 
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, Ohio 45356-2634; 
telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 778-4365. This information may be 
examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 E. Devon Ave., 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

[[Page 58078]]

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 action 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 action must send a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NE-08-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRM's

    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. 2000-NE-08-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On December 15, 1977, AD 77-12-06 R2, Amendment 39-3097 (42 FR 
63165, 1977), was published to mandate initial and repetitive 
inspections and rework of all Hartzell models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( )( 
) compact series, constant speed or feathering propellers with Hartzell 
manufactured ``Y'' shank blades, including cold rolling of the blade 
shank retention radius, and, change of the airplane operating 
limitations with specific models of propellers installed, to detect and 
prevent fatigue cracks that might result in blade separation. In 
addition, that AD mandates inspection requirements for propellers that 
have experienced overspeed or ground or object strike. This proposed 
action would remove the repetitive inspection intervals to require the 
cold rolling of the blade shank retention radius to be a one-time final 
action, and remove the reference to propellers that have experienced 
overspeed or ground or object strikes.
    During inspections performed to comply with AD 77-12-06 R2, some 
corroded parts were found, and several reports of corrosion were 
submitted to the FAA. The FAA has carefully considered these reports 
and has determined that this action need not include any action 
regarding corrosion. This action, and the current AD, are intended to 
prevent failure of the blade shank retention radius due to cracks.
    Some operators have perceived AD 77-12-06 R2 as mandating an 
overhaul. While the FAA encourages owners and operators to have their 
propellers overhauled using the manufacturer's recommended overhaul 
schedules, AD 77-12-06 R2 does not mandate a propeller overhaul. This 
proposal also does not propose to mandate a propeller overhaul.

Review of Propeller Service Histories

    The current AD, AD 77-12-06 R2, requires an initial inspection and 
cold rolling of the blade shank retention radius, then repetitive 
inspections and, if necessary, rework of the blade shank at intervals 
specified in Hartzell Service Letter (SL) 61B. In 1992, the FAA 
approved as an alternative method of compliance to the current AD, 
Hartzell SL 61R, dated February 28, 1992, which expanded the inspection 
interval to every 12,000 hours. Since the issuance of Hartzell SL 61R, 
there have been no reports of cracked blades in the blade shank 
retention radius (when the propeller complied with AD 77-12-06 R2). 
Therefore, the FAA has determined that the cold rolling of the blade 
shank retention radius can act as a final action to address the fatigue 
crack problem of the blade shank. Accordingly, this proposal removes 
the repetitive inspection requirement found in the current AD.
    In addition, this proposal will eliminate the existing AD's 
mandatory inspection requirements for propellers that have experienced 
an overspeed or ground or object strike. The FAA reviewed propeller 
service histories and found no overspeed or ground strike events to 
have caused a fatigue failure in the blade shank retention radius when 
the propeller is inspected in accordance with Hartzell's service 
instructions for overspeed or ground strike events. These service 
instructions are published in the Hartzell Standard Practices Manual 
202A, and in the current revisions of the propeller owner's manuals.
    However, the mandatory airplane operating limitations changes will 
remain unchanged from the existing AD and these limitations consist of 
restricted propeller revolutions per minute (rpm), placarding the 
airplane instrument panel, and revising the engine tachometer markings 
in accordance with Hartzell Service Bulletin (SB) No. 118A, dated 
February 15, 1977. This proposal will maintain the existing AD's 
modification of certain propeller models in accordance with Hartzell 
Propeller, Inc. Service Letter (SL) No. 69, dated November 30, 1971, 
and Hartzell Propeller, Inc. SB No. 101D, dated December 19, 1974. This 
proposal would not require operators to reinspect propellers that have 
already been inspected to comply with the current AD.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Proposed Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design used on 
airplanes registered in the United States, the proposed AD would 
require, if not already accomplished, initial inspections and rework of 
all ``Y'' shank blades, including cold rolling of the retention radius, 
blade replacement and modification of pitch change mechanisms for 
certain propeller models, and change of the airplane operating 
limitations, to detect and prevent fatigue cracks that can result in 
blade separation and possible loss of airplane control. The actions 
would be required to be accomplished in accordance with Hartzell SB 
118A, dated February 15, 1977, Hartzell SL 69, dated November 30, 1971, 
and Hartzell SB 101D, dated December 19, 1974.

Requirement Removed for Hartzell Service Letter 61B

    Hartzell Service Letter 61B, dated September 10, 1976 was initially 
incorporated by reference in AD 77-12-06 R2 to specify the inspection 
interval. Revisions to this service letter have been approved up to 
Revision V. Since the proposed AD removes the repetitive inspection, 
there will be no further need to reference any revision of SL 61.

Economic Analysis

    At the time the existing AD was issued, there were about 55,000 
propellers of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA 
estimated that there were 35,750 propellers installed on airplanes of 
U.S. registry. The FAA expects that all of the affected propellers 
should have already been inspected to comply with the existing AD's 
requirements to inspect, and rework or replace the blades. If these 
actions have not already been accomplished, then the total cost to 
comply with this proposal is estimated to be $700 per propeller.

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Regulatory Analysis

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would not have a 
substantial direct effect 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    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 Code of Federal 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 39-2922 (42 FR 
31152, June 20, 1977), Amendment 39-3018 (42 FR 42191, dated August 22, 
1977), and Amendment 39-3097 (42 FR 63165, dated December 15, 1977), 
and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), to read as follows:

Hartzell Propellers, Inc.: Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD, Supersedes AD 
77-12-06 R2, Amendment 39-3097.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to Hartzell 
Propellers, Inc. Models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( )( ) compact series 
constant speed or feathering propellers with Hartzell manufactured 
``Y'' shank blades. These propellers are used on but not limited to 
the following airplanes:

Aermacchi S.pA. (formerly Siai-Marchetti) S-208
Aero Commander 200B and 200D
Aerostar 600
Beech 24, 35, 36, 45, 55, 56TC, 58, 60, and 95
Bellanca 14 and 17 series
Cessna 182 and 188
Embraer EMB-200A
Maule M5
Mooney M20 and M22
Pilatus Britten Norman, or Britten Norman BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2A-6
Piper PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-30, PA-31, PA-32, PA-34, PA-36, and 
PA-39
Pitts S-1T and S-2A
Rockwell 112, 114, 200, 500, and 685 series

    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 (e) 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

    Compliance with this AD is required as indicated, unless already 
done. Propeller maintenance records showing compliance with AD 77-
12-06 R2 is an indication that compliance was previously done.
    To prevent failure of the propeller blade from fatigue cracks in 
the blade shank radius, which can result in damage to the airplane 
and loss of airplane control, do the following:
    (a) Propellers are considered in compliance with the one-time 
inspection and rework requirements only, of this AD if:
    (1) All blades are serial number D47534 and above, or
    (2) All blades are identified with the letters ``PR'' or ``R'' 
or ``SP-P'' ink-stamped on the camber side, or the letters ``SP'', 
``RD'' or ``SP-P'' metal-stamped on the blade butt.

Models ( )HC-( )( )Y( ) Compact Series ``Y'' Shank Propellers

    (b) If propellers models ( )HC-( )( )Y( ) have not been 
inspected and reworked in accordance with AD 77-12-06 R2, then 
before further flight, do a one-time action to remove, inspect, 
rework or replace blades if necessary in accordance with Hartzell 
Service Bulletin (SB) 118A, dated February 15, 1977.

    Note 2: One requirement in SB 118A is the cold rolling of the 
propeller blade shank. This is a critical requirement in the 
prevention of cracks in the blade. Propeller repair shops must 
obtain and maintain proper certification to perform the cold rolling 
procedure. 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. In addition, any rework in the blade 
shank area will also necessitate the cold rolling of the blade shank 
area, apart from the one-time cold rolling requirement of this AD.

Instrument Panel Modifications

    (c) If airplanes with propeller models
( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( ) / ( )( )7666A-( ), installed on (undampered) 
200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 series engines, have not been 
modified in accordance with AD 77-12-06 R2, then modify the airplane 
instrument panel according to the following subparagraphs before 
further flight. Airplanes include, but are not limited to, Mooney 
M20E and M20F (normal category), Piper PA-28R-200 (normal category), 
and Pitts S-1T and S-2A (acrobatic category).
    (1) For normal category airplanes, before further flight, remove 
the present vibration placard and affix a new placard near the 
engine tachometer that states:

``Avoid continuous operation:
Between 2000 and 2350 rpm.''

    (2) For utility and acrobatic category airplanes, before further 
flight, remove the present vibration placard and affix a new placard 
near the engine tachometer that states:

``Avoid continuous operation:
Between 2000 and 2350 rpm.
Above 2600 rpm in acrobatic flight.''

    (3) For normal category airplanes, re-mark the engine tachometer 
face or bezel with a red arc for the restricted engine speed range, 
between 2000 and 2350 rpm.
    (4) For acrobatic and utility airplanes, re-mark the engine 
tachometer face or bezel with a red arc for each restricted engine 
speed range, i.e., between 2000 and 2350 rpm and between 2600 and 
2700 rpm (red line).

Models ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )
( ) / ( )( )8475( )-( ) or ( )( )8477( )-( ) Propellers

    (d) If propeller models ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( ) / ( )( )8475( )-( ) 
or ( )( )8477( )-( ) have not been inspected and reworked in 
accordance with AD 74-15-02, then do the following maintenance 
before further flight.
    (1) Remove propeller from airplane.
    (2) Modify pitch change mechanism, and replace blades with 
equivalent model blades prefixed with letter ``F'' in accordance 
with Hartzell Service Letter No. 69, dated November 30, 1971 and 
Hartzell SB No. 101D, dated December 19, 1974.
    (3) Inspect and repair or replace, if necessary, in accordance 
with Hartzell SB No. 118A, dated February 15, 1977.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) Alternative methods of compliance to Hartzell Service 
Bulletin 118A are Hartzell Service Bulletins 118B, 118C, 118D, and 
Hartzell Manual 133C. Alternative method of compliance to Hartzell 
SB101D is Hartzell Manual 133C. No adjustment in the compliance time 
is allowed. Any requests for an alternative method of compliance 
that provides an acceptable level of safety may be

[[Page 58080]]

used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO). Operators must submit their request through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago ACO.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Manager, Chicago ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of part 21 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a 
location where the requirements of this AD can be done.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 8, 2001.
Diane S. Romanosky,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-28792 Filed 11-19-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P