[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 227 (Monday, November 25, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70532-70533]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-29354]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD; Amendment 39-12953; AD 2002-23-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Models 
MTV-9-B-C and MTV-3-B-C Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), that is applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Models MTV-9-
B-C and MTV-3-B-C propellers. That AD currently requires initial and 
repetitive inspections of Torx head blade root lag screws that are used 
on certain serial number (SN) propellers and replacement of all lag 
screws on the propeller if any screws are found broken or with 
insufficient torque. In addition, that AD currently requires the 
replacement of certain part number (P/N) Torx head blade root lag 
screws with improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws. This 
amendment requires the expansion of the applicability from certain SN 
propellers to all propellers with certain SN blades that may contain 
the suspect Torx head blade root lag screws. This amendment is prompted 
by FAA awareness that a propeller hub of an affected propeller could be 
changed, thereby changing the propeller serial number, creating a 
propeller that is not listed in the AD and that has affected blades and 
lag screws. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the blade root lag screw, which could result in propeller 
blade separation and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective December 30, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of July 23, 1999 (64 FR 36777, July 8, 1999).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH, Airport Straubing-
Wallmuhle, D-94348 Atting, Germany; telephone (0 94 29) 84 33; fax (0 
94 29) 84 32; Internet address: ``[email protected]''. 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: Wayne E. Gaulzetti, Aerospace 
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 
01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7156, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 99-14-06, 
Amendment 39-11216 (64 FR 36777, July 8, 1999), which is applicable to 
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH models MTV-9-B-C and MTV-3-B-C propellers 
was published in the Federal Register on February 27, 2002 (67 FR 
8910). That action proposed to require the expansion of the 
applicability from certain serial number (SN) propellers to all 
propellers with certain SN blades that may contain the suspect Torx 
head blade root lag screws in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung 
GMBH SB No. 17-A, dated March 5, 1999.

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

    There are approximately 250 propellers of the affected design in 
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 125 propellers installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD. The FAA also 
estimates that it would take approximately 13 work hours per propeller 
to do the actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $97,500.

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) 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.

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 39-11216, (64 FR 
36777 July 8, 1999) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-12953, to read as follows:

2002-2-23-09 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-12953. 
Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD. Supersedes AD 99-14-06, Amendment 39-11216.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH models MTV-9-B-C and MTV-3-B-C 
propellers equipped with CL250-27 or CL260-27 blades with serial 
numbers (SN's) starting with letter ``A'' through ``P'', equipped 
with Torx head blade root lag screws, part number (P/N) A-549-85 
(3mm thread pitch), or P/N A-550-85 (4mm thread pitch); and Model 
MTV-3-B-C propellers, equipped with L250-21 blades with SN's 
starting with letter ``A'' through ``P'', equipped with Torx head 
blade root lag screws, P/N A-549-85 (3mm thread pitch), or P/N A-
550-85 (4mm thread pitch). These propellers are installed on, but 
not limited to, Sukhoi SU-26, SU-29, SU-31; Yakovlev YAK-52, YAK-54, 
YAK-55, and Technoavia SM-92 airplanes.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each engine identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area

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subject to the requirements of this AD. For engines 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.

    Required as indicated, unless already done.
    To prevent blade root lag screw failure, which could result in 
propeller blade separation and loss of control of the airplane, do 
the following:
    (a) For propellers with Torx head blade root lag screws, P/N A-
549-85 (3mm thread pitch), inspect Torx head blade root lag screws 
for torque values and breakage in accordance with MT-Propeller 
Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin (SB) No. 17-A, dated March 5, 
1999, as follows:
    (1) Initially inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), or 
within two months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first.
    (2) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 100 hours 
TIS, or within 12 months, whichever occurs first.
    (3) Before further flight, if any lag screws are found broken or 
with torque less than 64 foot-pounds, replace all lag screws with 
new lag screws.
    (b) For propellers with lag screws, P/N A-550-85 (4mm thread 
pitch), inspect lag screws for torque values and breakage in 
accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB No. 17-A, dated 
March 5, 1999, as follows:
    (1) Inspect within 50 hours TIS, or within two months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Before further flight, if any lag screws are found broken or 
with torque less than 64 foot-pounds, replace all lag screws with 
improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws, P/N A-983-85. Torque 
screws to 58-60 foot-pounds.
    (c) Replace lag screws, P/N A-550-85, within 100 hours TIS, or 
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, with lag 
screws, P/N A-983-85, in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung 
GMBH SB No. 17-A, dated March 5, 1999. Torque screws to 58-60 foot-
pounds.

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, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office. Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate 
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to 
the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office.

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

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (f) The actions must be done in accordance with MT-Propeller 
Entwicklung GMBH service bulletin: 17A, dated March 5, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH 
service bulletin: 17A, dated March 5, 1999, was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of July 23, 1999 (64 FR 36777, 
July 8, 1999). Copies may be obtained from MT-Propeller Entwicklung 
GMBH, Airport Straubing-Wallmuhle, D-94348 Atting, Germany; 
telephone (0 94 29) 84 33, fax (0 94 29) 84 32, Internet address: 
[email protected]. Copies may be inspected 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

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on December 30, 2002.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 8, 2002.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 02-29354 Filed 11-22-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P