[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 81 (Monday, April 28, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22339-22341]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-10334]


 ========================================================================
 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. 68, No. 81 / Monday, April 28, 2003 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 22339]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-
82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 Propeller 
Assemblies

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to 
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Dowty 
Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. That AD 
currently requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection of propeller hubs 
part number (P/N) 660709201 for cracks. This proposal would require 
initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of propeller hubs P/N 
660709201, that are installed on airplanes, and for hubs and propellers 
in storage, initial ultrasonic inspection of propeller hubs before 
placing in service. Propeller hubs P/N 660709201 are installed on Type 
R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 
propeller assemblies. This proposal is prompted by the manufacturer's 
reevaluation of potential hub failure on Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-
F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. The 
actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent propeller 
hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which could result in loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 27, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NE-50-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 Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road 
East, Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax: 44 (0) 
1452 716001. 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: Frank Walsh, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller 
Directorate, telephone (781) 238-7158, fax (781) 238-7170.

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 2001-NE-50-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. 2001-NE-50-AD, 12 New England Executive 
Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

    On January 18, 2002, the FAA issued AD 2002-01-28, Amendment 39-
12623 (67 FR 4351, January 30, 2002), to require a one-time ultrasonic 
inspection for cracks of the rear wall of the rear half of propeller 
hubs P/N 660709201, installed in Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller 
assemblies. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (UK), notified the FAA 
that an unsafe condition may exist on Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type 
R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. The CAA advises that two different 
events occurred where the complete R334/4-82-F/13 propeller separated 
from the engine flange, on Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) 212 
airplanes.
    Since AD 2001-01-28 was issued, the manufacturer has reevaluated 
the potential for P/N 660709201 hub failure on Type R321/4-82-F/8, 
R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies.

Manufacturer's Service Information

    Dowty Aerospace Propellers has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) No. 61-1119, Revision 3, dated March 8, 2002, MSB No. 61-1124, 
Revision 1, dated October 8, 2002, MSB No. 61-1125, Revision 1, dated 
October 9, 2002, and MSB No. 61-1126, Revision 1, dated October 9, 
2002, that specify initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the 
rear wall of the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks on Types 
R334/4-82-F/13, R333/4-82-F/12, R321/4-82-F/8, and R324/4-82-F/9 
propeller assemblies, respectively. The CAA classified these service 
bulletins as mandatory and issued CAA UK AD No. 003-11-2001, dated 
November 30, 2001, in order to assure the airworthiness of

[[Page 22340]]

these Dowty Aerospace Propellers in the UK.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    Although Appendix A of MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 3, dated March 8, 
2002, MSB No. 61-1124, Revision 1, dated October 8, 2002, MSB No. 61-
1125, Revision 1, dated October 9, 2002, and MSB No. 61-1126, Revision 
1, dated October 9, 2002, require reporting the inspection data to 
Dowty Aerospace Propellers, this AD requires that the data be reported 
to the Boston Aircraft Certification Office of the FAA.

Bilateral Agreement Information

    These propeller models are manufactured in the UK and are Type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
CAA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this Type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Proposed Requirements of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-
F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies of the same Type design 
that are used on airplanes registered in the United States, the 
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections 
of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed on airplanes, and 
for hubs and propellers in storage, initial ultrasonic inspection of 
propeller hubs before placing in service. Propeller hubs P/N 660709201 
are installed on Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and 
R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. The actions would be required to 
be done in accordance with the mandatory service bulletins described 
previously.

Economic Analysis

    There are approximately 116 airplanes with propellers of the 
affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 10 
airplanes with Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. It is 
unknown how many Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, and R333/4-82-F/12 
propeller assemblies are installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 11 work hours per 
propeller to perform one inspection and replacement, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $1,650 per propeller. Based on these figures, the total 
cost of the proposed AD to known U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$46,200.

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 39-12623, (67 
4351, January 30, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive:

Dowty Aerospace Propellers: Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD. Supersedes AD 
2002-01-28, Amendment 39-12623.

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, 
R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies with 
propeller hubs part number (P/N) 660709201. These propeller 
assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, Construcciones 
Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) 212, British Aerospace Regional Aircraft 
Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201, Merlin IIIC, and Merlin IVC/Metro 
III airplanes.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each engine 
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 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 (f) 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 hub failure due to cracks in the hub, which 
could result in loss of control of the airplane, do the following:

Initial Ultrasonic Inspection

    (a) Within 50 flight hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, or within 60 days after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, perform an initial 
ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the 
propeller hub for cracks in accordance with Appendix A of the 
applicable Dowty Aerospace Propellers Mandatory Service Bulletin 
(MSB) listed in the following Table 1:

               Table 1.--Applicable MSB for Propeller Type
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Propeller assembly type                   Applicable MSB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) R334/4-82-F/13.....................  MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 3,
                                          dated March 8, 2002.
(2) R333/4-82-F/12.....................  MSB No. 61-1124, Revision 1,
                                          dated October 8, 2002.
(3) R321/4-82-F/8......................  MSB No. 61-1125, Revision 1,
                                          dated October 9, 2002.
(4) R324/4-82-F/9......................  MSB No. 61-1126, Revision 1,
                                          dated October 9, 2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) For hubs and propellers in storage, perform an initial 
ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the 
propeller hub for cracks, before placing in service, in accordance 
with Appendix A of the applicable Dowty Aerospace Propellers 
Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (c) Propeller hubs P/N 660709201 used on Type R334/4-82-F/13 
propeller assemblies

[[Page 22341]]

that have been previously inspected using Dowty Aerospace Propellers 
MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 3, dated March 8, 2002, or earlier issue, 
are considered to be in compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections

    (d) Thereafter, within 1,000 flight hours TIS after each 
ultrasonic inspection, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the rear 
wall of the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks in accordance 
with Appendix A of the applicable Dowty Aerospace Propellers MSB 
listed in Table 1 of this AD.

Inspection Reporting Requirements

    (e) For each inspection, record the inspection data on a copy of 
Appendix B of the applicable MSB listed in Table 1 of this AD, and 
report the findings to the Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification 
Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299 within 10 days after the 
inspection. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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 request through an appropriate 
FAA principal 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

    (g) 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in CAA UK AD 003-11-
2001, dated November 30, 2001.


    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 22, 2003.
Robert Guyotte,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-10334 Filed 4-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P