[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 25, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14311-14312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6676]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-47-AD; Amendment 39-13089; AD 2003-06-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-
C2Y(K,R)-1BF/F8477-4 Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), that 
is applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-C2Y(K,R)-1BF/
F8477-4 propellers with TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. anti-ice boots 
that were installed by SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE, the aircraft 
manufacturer, using TKS Ltd. Procedure P232, Specification for the 
Attachment of Propeller Overshoes. This amendment requires removal of 
the anti-ice boots, inspection and rework of the anti-ice boot area of 
the propeller blades, and installation of new anti-ice boots. This 
amendment is prompted by a report of TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. anti-
ice boots on the blades of a model HC-C2Y(K,R)-1BF/F8477-4 propeller 
that were installed by SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE using processes that 
could lead to blade corrosion and failure. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to 
the airplane, and possible loss of the airplane.

DATES: Effective April 29, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of April 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD 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 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 East Devon Avenue, 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) to include an AD that is 
applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-C2Y(K,R)-1BF/
F8477-4 propellers with TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. anti-ice boots 
that were installed by SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE, the aircraft 
manufacturer, using TKS Ltd. Procedure P232, Specification for the 
Attachment of Propeller Overshoes was published in the Federal Register 
on November 21, 2002 (67 FR 70185). That action proposed to require 
removal of the anti-ice boots, inspection and rework of the anti-ice 
boot area of the propeller blades, and installation of new anti-ice 
boots in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) HC-ASB-61-251, dated April 10, 2001.

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 750 Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-
C2Y(K,R)-1BF/F8477-4 propellers with TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. anti-
ice boots installed by SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE, the aircraft 
manufacturer, using TKS Ltd. Procedure P232, Specification for the 
Attachment of Propeller Overshoes. The FAA estimates that 230 
propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by 
this AD. The FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 10 
work hours per propeller to accomplish the actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $900 per propeller. Based on these figures, the total 
cost of the AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be $345,000.

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 adding a new airworthiness directive 
to read as follows:

2003-06-02 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-13089. Docket No. 
2001-NE-47-AD.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-C2Y(K,R)-1BF/F8477-4 propellers 
with TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. anti-ice boots that were installed 
by SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE, the aircraft manufacturer, using TKS 
Ltd. Procedure P232, Specification for the Attachment of Propeller 
Overshoes. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to 
American Champion 8GCBC, Cessna 170 series, 172 series, 175 series, 
Piper PA-18 series, Sky International Inc. (Husky) A-1 (previous 
owners were Christen Industries; Aviat, Inc.; White International, 
LTD.), and

[[Page 14312]]

SOCATA-Groupe AEROSPATIALE TB-20 and TB-21 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 as indicated, 
unless already done.
    To prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the airplane, 
and possible loss of the airplane, do the following:
    (a) For propellers that have been overhauled after the 
installation of TKS (Aircraft De-icing) Ltd. Anti-ice boots, and 
have had the anti-ice boots re-installed using Hartzell Manual 133C 
(ATA 61-13-33) ``Aluminum Blade Overhaul'', AS&T Procedure 4700INS, 
or other approved procedures (excluding TKS Procedure P232) no 
further action is required.
    (b) For propellers that have had the anti-ice boots installed 
using the TKS Procedure P232, but have not had anti-ice boots re-
installed using Hartzell Manual 133C (ATA 61-13-33) ``Aluminum Blade 
Overhaul'', AS&T Procedure 4700INS, or other approved procedures 
(excluding TKS Procedure P232), remove anti-ice boots, inspect and 
rework anti-ice boot areas of propeller blades, and install new 
anti-ice boots in accordance with paragraph 3 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
HC-ASB-61-251, dated April 10, 2001 using the compliance schedule in 
Table 1 as follows:

                      Table 1.--Compliance Schedule
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          For propellers with:               Replace anti-ice boots:
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(1) Fewer than 500 hours time-in-        Within 200 hours TIS from the
 service (TIS) and less than 3 years      effective date of this AD, not
 time-since-new (TSN).                    to exceed 600 hours TSN, or
                                          prior to accumulating 4 years
                                          TSN, whichever occurs first.
(2) Five hundred or more hours TIS, or   Within 100 hours TIS, or 1 year
 3 years or more TSN but less than 6      from the effective date of
 years TSN.                               this AD, whichever occurs
                                          first.
(3) Six years or more TSN..............  Within 50 hours TIS, or within
                                          6 months from the effective
                                          date of this AD, whichever
                                          occurs first.
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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, Chicago Certification Office. 
Operators must submit their request through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, Chicago 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 Chicago Certification Office.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions must be done in accordance with Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin HC-ASB-61-251, dated April 10, 
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 Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
Technical Publications Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 
45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 778-4391. 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

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 12, 2003.
Mark C. Fulmer,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-6676 Filed 3-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P