[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 188 (Friday, September 27, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61043-61045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-24544]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 188 / Friday, September 27, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 61043]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-06-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM 
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), applicable to 
McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers. That AD 
currently requires an initial inspection for cracks in the propeller 
hub in accordance with a dye penetrant inspection procedure, 
replacement of propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable 
limits, rework of propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits, 
and repetitive inspections of all affected propellers. This proposal 
would allow additional rework operations to be performed at more than 
one bolt hole location. This proposal is prompted by the need to 
clarify the requirement to use a steel backing plate and Mylar gasket 
during installation of the propeller, and to relax the replacement 
requirements. The actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 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. 97-ANE-06-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 the proposed rule may be 
obtained from McCauley Propeller Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, P.O. 
Drawer 5053, Vandalia, OH 45377-5053; telephone: 937-890-5246; fax: 
937-890-6001. 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: Timothy Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2350 East Devon Avenue, Room 323, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: 
(847) 294-7132; 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 97-ANE-06-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. 97-ANE-06-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On March 11, 1997, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued 
airworthiness directive (AD) 97-06-16, Amendment 39-9973 (62 FR 16064, 
April 4, 1997), to require an initial inspection for cracks in the 
propeller hub using a dye penetrant inspection procedure, replacement 
of propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, rework of 
propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits, and repetitive 
inspections of all affected propellers. That action was prompted by the 
propeller manufacturer's development of a dye penetrant inspection 
procedure that will more accurately detect cracking. The requirements 
of that AD are intended to prevent propeller separation due to hub 
fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of control of the airplane.

Events Since the Issuing of AD 97-06-16

    Since AD 97-06-16 was issued, the propeller manufacturer has issued 
a revised service bulletin that recommends changing the requirement to 
remove and replace a previously reworked propeller, if there is a crack 
at another bolt hole. The revised service bulletin now allows for 
additional rework on some propellers that have already undergone 
rework. Also, the revised service bulletin now requires painting the 
propeller hub before installation of the propeller. This AD would 
incorporate the revised service bulletin.
    In addition, the FAA received comments to the current AD that was 
issued as a final rule, request for comments. One comment points out 
that the AD does not explicitly require installation of the propeller 
in accordance with the service bulletin, which calls for installation 
of a steel backing plate and Mylar gasket when the propeller is 
installed. Since the FAA intended that the propeller be

[[Page 61044]]

reinstalled with the steel backing plate and Mylar gasket, this 
proposal would include an explicit requirement to install the propeller 
in accordance with the revised service bulletin.
    Also, one other comment asks if the term ``3,000 or more hours 
time-in-service'' in the AD has the same meaning as the term ``3,000 
hours or more total time in service'' as used in the service bulletin. 
The FAA believes that the two terms are synonymous, and, therefore, no 
changes to the term used in the AD are proposed. Even if there were a 
difference, however, the compliance time specified in the AD would take 
precedence over any compliance time stated in the service bulletin.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 221C, dated 
September 7, 1999, that describes procedures for dye penetrant 
inspections and rework of affected propellers. ASB 221C also provides 
procedures for installation of the propeller using a steel backing 
plate and Mylar gasket.

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 this same type design, this 
proposal would supersede AD 97-06-16 to require:
    [sbull] An initial inspection for cracks in the propeller hub in 
accordance with a dye penetrant inspection procedure.
    [sbull] Replacement of propellers with cracks that do not meet 
acceptable limits.
    [sbull] Rework of propellers with cracks that meet acceptable 
limits.
    [sbull] Painting of the propeller hub before installation of the 
propeller
    [sbull] Repetitive inspections of all affected propellers.
    [sbull] Installation of a steel backing plate and Mylar gasket 
during installation of the propeller.
    The actions would be required to be done in accordance with the 
service bulletin described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 6,100 propellers of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that approximately 3,000 
propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by 
this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take 
approximately 3 work hours per propeller to perform the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $17 per propeller. Based on these 
figures, the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $591,000 per year.

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 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 39-9973, (62 FR 
16064, April 4, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive:

McCauley Propeller Systems: Docket No. 97-ANE-06-AD. Supersedes AD 
97-06-16, Amendment 39-9973.

Applicability

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable to McCauley 
Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers with numeric serial 
numbers 770001 through 777390; and propellers with alphanumeric 
serial numbers BC001 up to, but not including KC001. These 
propellers are installed on but not limited to Cessna 152, Cessna 
A152, Reims F152, and Reims FA152 series airplanes. All alphanumeric 
serial number propellers beginning with the letters ``B'' through 
``J'' are affected by this AD.

    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 (d) 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 below, unless 
already done.
    To prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, 
which can result in loss of control of the airplane, do the 
following:

Inspection and Rework Requirements

    (a) Inspect propellers, rework or replace with a serviceable 
propeller, as necessary, and install in accordance with Sections II, 
III, IV, and V of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) No. 221C, dated September 7, 1999, as follows:
    (1) For propellers with 3,000 or more hours time-in-service 
(TIS), or unknown TIS, on the effective date of this AD, as follows:
    (i) If not already done, perform an initial dye penetrant 
inspection in accordance with Section II of the ASB before further 
flight.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections in 
accordance with Section IV of the ASB at intervals not to exceed 800 
hours TIS, or 12 calendar months since last dye penetrant 
inspection, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) If cracks are discovered that are not within the rework 
limits described in Section III of the ASB, before further flight 
remove the propeller from service and replace with a serviceable 
propeller.
    (iv) If cracks are discovered that are within the rework limits 
described in Section III of the ASB, before further flight rework 
the propeller in accordance with Section III of the ASB, and resume 
inspecting repetitively in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of 
this AD.
    (2) For propellers with less than 3,000 hours TIS on the 
effective date of this AD, upon accumulating 3,000 hours TIS perform 
the steps required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv) of this 
AD.
    (b) Paint camber side of the propeller in accordance with 
Section II or Section III of the ASB.
    (c) Install propeller in accordance with Section V of the ASB.

[[Page 61045]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

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

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 18, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-24544 Filed 9-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P