[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 90 (Thursday, May 9, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31113-31115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-11251]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD; Amendment 39-12741; AD 2002-09-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Compact Series 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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. 
This amendment requires 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 amendment is prompted by FAA reviews of propeller 
service histories since the issuance of AD 77-12-06R2. The actions 
specified by this 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: Effective date June 13, 2002. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of June 13, 2002.

ADDRESSES: 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) 778-4391. This 
information may be examined, by appointment, 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, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 77-12-06R2, 
Amendment 39-3097 (42 FR 63165, December 15, 1977), which is applicable 
to Hartzell models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-
( )( )( ) compact series, constant speed or feathering propellers with 
Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank blades was published in the Federal 
Register on November 20, 2001 (66 FR 58077). That action proposed to 
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.

Comments

    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.

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 done, then the total cost to comply with 
this AD is estimated to be $700 per propeller.

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.
    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 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 final evaluation has been prepared for 
this action and it 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.

[[Page 31114]]

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 removing Amendment 39-2922 (42 FR 
31152, June 20, 1977), Amendment 39-3018 (42 FR 42191, August 22, 
1977), and Amendment 39-3097 (42 FR 63165, December 15, 1977) and by 
adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-12741, to read as 
follows:

2002-09-08 Hartzell Propellers, Inc.: Amendment 39-12741. Docket No. 
2000-NE-08-AD. Supersedes AD 77-12-06R2, 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-
12-06R2 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 77-12-06R2, 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) No.118A, dated February 15, 1977.

    Note 2: One requirement in SB No. 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) 778-4200. 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 77-12-06R2, 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 No. 118A are Hartzell Service Bulletin No.'s 118B, 118C, 
118D, and Hartzell Manual 133C. Alternative method of compliance to 
Hartzell SB No. 101D 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 
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 
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 done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated By Reference

    (g) The inspections must be done in accordance with the 
following Hartzell Propeller, Inc. service bulletins (SB's) and 
service letter (SL):

[[Page 31115]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Document No.                   Pages                 Revision                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB No. 101D Total pages: 2.......  All...............  D........................  December 19, 1974.
SB No. 118A Total pages: 16......  All...............  A........................  February 15, 1977.
SL No. 69 Total pages: 2.........  All...............  1........................  November 30, 1971.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    These incorporations by reference were 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 Hartzell Propeller, Inc., One 
Propeller Place, Piqua, Ohio 45356-2634; telephone (937) 778-4200; 
fax (937) 778-4391. 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

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on June 13, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 24, 2002.
Marc J. Bouthillier,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-11251 Filed 5-8-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P