[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 202 (Friday, October 18, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64322-64325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-26591]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-60-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HD-E6C-
3B/E13890K Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to adopt a 
new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. model HD-E6C-3B/E13890K propellers with certain serial 
numbers of model D-1199-2 propeller control units (PCU's)

[[Page 64323]]

installed. This proposal would require initial and repetitive 
inspections for below-limit propeller flight idle blade angles, and, as 
a terminating action, removal of the affected PCU's from service and 
performance of a complete Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) when the 
applicable time-since-new or time-since-overhaul limit is reached, or 
when any flight idle blade angle is below limits. This proposal is 
prompted by a review by Hartzell Propeller Inc. of the model D-1199-2 
PCU overhaul procedures, that revealed several dimensional checks and a 
nondestructive evaluation were not performed on certain serial number 
PCU's during a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul). The overhaul 
procedures are required to comply with the Airworthiness Limitation PCU 
Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) directive. The actions specified 
by the proposed AD are intended to prevent below-limit flight idle 
propeller blade angles that, if not corrected, could result in degraded 
aircraft performance and control.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 17, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-60-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 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) 778-4391. 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 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 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 submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NE-60-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-60-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    The FAA was notified by Hartzell Propeller Inc. that model HD-E6C-
3B/E13890K propellers with certain serial numbers of model D-1199-2 
PCU's installed, could be potentially out of compliance with the 
Airworthiness Limitations Chapter of Hartzell Manual 162, by having 
higher than allowable wear dimensions. This condition is due to 
improperly performed Major Periodic Inspections (overhauls) by Hartzell 
Propeller Inc., on 78 PCU's, identified by serial number. This proposal 
would require initial and repetitive inspections of flight idle blade 
angles, and performance of a complete Major Periodic Inspection 
(overhaul) of the affected PCU's or replacement with a serviceable part 
as terminating action. This proposal is prompted by a review by 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. of the model D-1199-2 PCU overhaul procedures, 
that revealed several dimensional checks and a nondestructive 
evaluation were not performed on certain serial number PCU's. The 
actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to prevent below-
limit flight idle propeller blade angles that, if not corrected, could 
result in degraded aircraft performance and control.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Hartzell Propeller Inc. has issued Service Bulletins (SB's) No. HD-
SB-61-025, dated November 17, 2000, and No. HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, 
dated December 20, 2000, that specify initial and repetitive 
inspections for below-limit propeller flight idle blade angles, and, as 
terminating action, removal of the affected PCU's from service and 
performance of a complete Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) when the 
applicable time-since-new or time-since-overhaul limit is reached, or 
when any flight idle blade angle is below limits. The Major Periodic 
Inspection (overhaul) constitutes completion of paragraphs 2B. and 2C. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Service Bulletin (SB) 
No. HD-SB-61-025, dated November 17, 2000, or SB No. HD-SB-61-025, 
Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000. Revision 1 was issued to correct 
the table of affected serial numbers.

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, the 
proposed AD would require:
    [sbull] Initial and repetitive inspections for below-limit 
propeller flight idle blade angles; and
    [sbull] As a terminating action of the flight idle blade angle 
repetitive inspections, removal of the affected PCU's from service and 
performance of a complete Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) when the 
applicable time-since-new or time-since-overhaul limit is reached; or 
when any flight idle blade angle is below limits.
    The proposed actions are required to be done in accordance with the 
service bulletins described previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 78 Hartzell Propeller Inc. model D-1199-2 
PCU's of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates 
that 50 PCU's installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected 
by this proposed AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take 
approximately 1.5 work hours per propeller to perform the proposed 
initial inspections, 25 work hours per propeller to perform the 
proposed PCU

[[Page 64324]]

replacements, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately $7,321 per propeller. Based on 
these figures, the total cost of initial inspections of the proposed AD 
to U.S. operators is estimated to be $4,500, and the total cost of 
replacement of the PCU's of the proposed AD to U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $441,050.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Docket No. 2000-NE-60-AD.
    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HD-E6C-3B/E13890K propellers with 
certain serial numbers of model D-1199-2 Propeller Control Units 
(PCU's) installed, as listed in Table 1 of this AD. These propellers 
are installed on, but not limited to Fairchild Dornier GmbH 328-100 
series airplanes.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (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 (g) 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.
    To prevent below-limit flight idle propeller blade angles that, 
if not corrected, could result in degraded aircraft performance and 
control, do the following:

Initial and Repetitive Inspection Requirements

    (a) On PCU's listed by serial number in the following Table 1 of 
this AD, at the next ``2A'' maintenance check, but no later than 600 
hours time-in-service from the effective date of this AD, perform an 
initial flight idle blade angle inspection, in accordance with 
paragraph 2A. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Service 
Bulletin (SB) No. HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000. 
Table 1 follows:

                             Table 1.--Affected Serial Numbers, Model D-1199-2 PCU's
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PCU-A-29               PCU-A-EFS140           PCU-A-EFS194           PCU-A-EFS234           PCU-A-EFS284
PCU-A-31               PCU-A-EFS141           PCU-A-EFS204           PCU-A-EFS236           PCU-A-EFS290
PCU-A-44               PCU-A-EFS144           PCU-A-EFS207           PCU-A-EFS239           PCU-A-EFS292
PCU-A-46               PCU-A-EFS152           PCU-A-EFS208           PCU-A-EFS242           PCU-A-EFS293
PCU-A-53               PCU-A-EFS155           PCU-A-EFS210           PCU-A-EFS244           PCU-A-EFS294
PCU-A-54               PCU-A-EFS158           PCU-A-EFS212           PCU-A-EFS245           PCU-A-EFS302
PCU-A-57               PCU-A-EFS160           PCU-A-EFS213           PCU-A-EFS246           PCU-A-EFS307
PCU-A-58               PCU-A-EFS162           PCU-A-EFS214           PCU-A-EFS249           PCU-A-EFS319
PCU-A-59               PCU-A-EFS165           PCU-A-EFS218           PCU-A-EFS250           PCU-A-EFS320
PCU-A-EFS101           PCU-A-EFS182           PCU-A-EFS220           PCU-A-EFS257           PCU-A-EFS326
PCU-A-EFS106           PCU-A-EFS184           PCU-A-EFS223           PCU-A-EFS261           PCU-A-EFS328
PCU-A-EFS109           PCU-A-EFS185           PCU-A-EFS224           PCU-A-EFS266           PCU-A-EFS330
PCU-A-EFS110           PCU-A-EFS187           PCU-A-EFS225           PCU-A-EFS268           PCU-A-EFS340
PCU-A-EFS111           PCU-A-EFS188           PCU-A-EFS226           PCU-A-EFS269           PCU-A-EFS347
PCU-A-EFS120           PCU-A-EFS192           PCU-A-EFS228           PCU-A-EFS271
PCU-A-EFS122           PCU-A-EFS193           PCU-A-EFS233           PCU-A-EFS279
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    (b) Remove PCU's that fail the inspection in paragraph (a) of 
this AD and perform a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Service Bulletin (SB) No. HD-SB-61-025, 
Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, or replace with a serviceable 
PCU.
    (c) Thereafter, at each successive ``4A'' maintenance check, but 
not to exceed 1,200 hours time-in-service, perform the flight idle 
blade angle inspection until the limiting time-since-overhaul or 
time-since-new is reached, as specified in Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, 
Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000.
    (d) Remove PCU's that fail the inspection in paragraph (c) of 
this AD and perform a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in 
accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of Hartzell SB No. HD-SB-
61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, or replace with a 
serviceable PCU.
    (e) Once the limiting time-since-overhaul or time-since-new 
specified in Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 
20, 2000 is reached, remove the PCU from service and perform a Major 
Periodic Inspection (overhaul), in accordance with paragraphs 2.B. 
and 2.C. of Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 
2000.

Optional Terminating Action

    (f) Replacement with a serviceable PCU is terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. 
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable PCU is one that is not 
listed in Table 1 of this AD, or is one listed in Table 1 of this AD 
that has undergone a Major Periodic Inspection (overhaul) after 
November 17, 2000, in

[[Page 64325]]

accordance with paragraphs 2.B. and 2.C. of Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-
025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) 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 (ACO). An alternative method of compliance to Hartzell SB HD-
SB-61-025, Revision 1, dated December 20, 2000, is compliance with 
Hartzell SB HD-SB-61-025, dated November 17, 2000. Operators must 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Chicago ACO.

    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

    (h) 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 October 11, 2002.
Mark C. Fulmer,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-26591 Filed 10-17-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P