[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 249 (Friday, December 28, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67074-67076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-31328]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-40-AD; Amendment 39-12569; AD 2001-26-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Model 247F 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Hamilton Sundstrand model 247F propellers. 
This action requires a one-time rework of certain model 247F propellers 
by removing all four propeller blades from service, replacing those 
blades with serviceable propeller blades, and marking the propeller 
with a new part number. This amendment is prompted by nine reports of 
the blades partially slipping at the bond joint between the blade tulip 
and the composite blade airfoil interface. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent the loss of a propeller blade, which 
may result in loss of airplane control.

DATES: Effective January 14, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of January 14, 2002.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 26, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-40-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at 
this location, by appointment, between 8:00 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 Hamilton Sundstrand, A United Technologies Company, 
Publications Manager, Mail Stop 2AM-EE50, One Hamilton Road, Windsor 
Locks, CT 06096. 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, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Walsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 
238-7158, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received nine reports of blades 
partially slipping at the bond joint between the blade tulip and the 
composite blade airfoil interface on Hamilton Sundstrand model 247F 
propellers, part numbers (P/N's) 810610-1 and 815550-1. Investigation 
reveals that this partial slippage is due to debonding of that 
interface. This amendment requires, within 30 days of the effective 
date of this AD as a one-time action, reworking certain model 247F 
propellers by removing all four existing propeller blades P/N's 
R810640-1, R810640-2, and R810640-3 from service, replacing those 
blades with serviceable propeller blades, and marking the propeller 
with a new part number. To date, no blade has come free from the hub. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in the loss of a 
propeller blade, which may result in loss of airplane control.

[[Page 67075]]

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin (SB) 247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated 
September 7, 2001 that describes procedures for propeller blade 
replacement and propeller marking.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service 
Information

    Although Hamilton Sundstrand SB 247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated 
September 7, 2001 mandates the affected propeller blade population to 
be removed from service by December 31, 2001, this amendment requires 
propeller blade removal from service within 30 days of the effective 
date of this AD.

FAA's Determination of an Unsafe Condition and Required Actions

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Hamilton Sundstrand model 247F propellers of 
the same type design, this AD requires, within 30 days of the effective 
date of this AD, as a one-time action, reworking certain model 247F 
propellers by removing all four existing propeller blades from service, 
replacing those blades with serviceable propeller blades, and marking 
the propeller with a new part number. The actions are required to be 
done in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NE-40-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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

    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:

2001-26-05  Hamilton Sundstrand Model 247F Propellers: Amendment 39-
12569. Docket No. 2001-NE-40-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Hamilton Sundstrand model 247F propellers. These propellers are 
installed on, but not limited to Aerospatiale ATR-72 and Xian MA-60 
airplanes.

    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 (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: Compliance with this AD is required within 30 days 
of the effective date of this AD, unless already done.
    To prevent the loss of a propeller blade, which may result in 
loss of airplane control, do the following:
    (a) Do the following in accordance with paragraphs 3A. through 
3C.(2), of the Accomplishment Instructions, of Hamilton Sundstrand 
Service Bulletin 247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated September 7, 2001.
    (1) Remove from service propeller blades part numbers (P/N's) 
R810640-1, R810640-2, and R810640-3, within 30 days of the effective 
date of this AD, and replace with serviceable propeller blades.
    (2) Mark propellers P/N 810610-1 as P/N 810610-2, and propellers 
P/N 815550-1 as P/N 815550-2.
    (b) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
propeller blades P/N's R810640-1, R810640-2, and R810640-3 into any 
propeller, and do not install any propellers P/N's 810610-1 and 
815550-1 onto any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 (ACO). Operators must submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, ACO.


[[Page 67076]]


    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (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 requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (e) The propeller blade replacement and propeller marking must 
be done in accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 
247F-61-37, Revision 2, dated September 7, 2001. 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 Hamilton Sundstrand, A United Technologies Company, 
Publications Manager, Mail Stop 2AM-EE50, One Hamilton Road, Windsor 
Locks, CT 06096. Copies may be inspected, by appointment, 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 14, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 14, 2001.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-31328 Filed 12-27-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U