[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 6, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17315-17317]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6778]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 83-ANE-14-AD; Amendment 39-14043; AD 83-08-01R2]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. (Formerly TRW 
Hartzell Propeller) Models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, 
HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 Turbopropellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), 
that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell 
Propeller) models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-
5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 turbopropellers. That AD requires, before 
further flight, that all new propellers being installed and all 
serviceable propellers being reinstalled, are attached using part 
number (P/N) B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, and that the bolts 
are properly torqued. That AD also requires a onetime torque-check of 
P/N A-2047 bolts that are already installed through propellers and 
replacement of those bolts if necessary, with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N 
A-2048-2 washers. This AD requires the same actions, and includes the 
use of other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers. 
This AD results from the need to make nonsubstantive wording changes 
and additions to clarify that terminating action is achieved by 
attaching propellers with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers or 
other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, to the 
engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section of this AD. We 
are issuing this AD to preclude propeller attaching bolt failures or 
improperly secured propellers, which could lead to separation of the 
propeller from the airplane.

[[Page 17316]]


DATES: This AD becomes effective May 11, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Contact Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications 
Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-
4200; fax (937) 778-4391, for the service information referenced in 
this AD. You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa T. Bradley, Aerospace 
Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: 
(847) 294-8110; fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies 
to Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell Propeller) models HC-
B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-
B5MP-3 turbopropellers by revising AD 83-08-01R1, Amendment 39-4633 (48 
FR 17576, April 25, 1983), which is applicable to the same 
turbopropellers. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register 
on October 20, 2004 (69 FR 61611). That action proposed to require the 
same actions as AD 83-08-01R1, except that it would not be applicable 
to propellers installed using P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 
washers, and it would not require an additional onetime torque-check of 
P/N A-2047 bolts. This AD results from the need to make nonsubstantive 
wording changes and additions to clarify that terminating action is 
achieved by attaching propellers with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 
washers or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, 
to the engine flange, as instructed in the compliance section of this 
AD.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the one comment received.

Request To Add Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Parts

    One commenter requests that we modify the compliance section to 
state that PMA equivalent parts can also be used to attach the 
propeller. The commenter states that the proposed AD did not reference 
all FAA-PMA parts.
    We partially agree. For clarification, we have added references to 
the use of other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, 
in lieu of using only P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers.

Correction of Petrolated Graphite Military Specification Number

    We have corrected the Petrolated Graphite Military Specification 
number in the compliance section from MIL-T-5544 to MIL-T-83483.
    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comment received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 17,000 Hartzell Propeller Inc. models HC-B3TN-2, 
HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 
turbopropellers of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We 
estimate that 11,900 turbopropellers installed on airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this AD. We also estimate that all of 
these propellers likely have upgraded to the P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N 
A-2048-2 washers, or equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and 
washers, since issuance of the original AD. The average labor rate is 
$65 per work hour. Bolt and washer replacement will require about 1.5 
work hours. Required parts will cost about $260 per propeller. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to replace the 
bolts and washers for all 11,900 turbopropellers, to be $4,248,300.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-4633 (48 FR 17576, 
April 25, 1983) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 
39-14043, to read as follows:

83-08-01R2 Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW Hartzell 
Propeller): Amendment 39-14043. Docket No. 83-ANE-14-AD. Revises AD 
83-08-01R1, Amendment 39-4633

Applicability

    This AD is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. (formerly TRW 
Hartzell Propeller) models HC-B3TN-2, HC-B3TN-3, HC-B3TN-5, HC-B4TN-
3, HC-B4TN-5, HC-B4MN-5, and HC-B5MP-3 turbopropellers. The HC-
B()TN-2, HC-B()TN-3, and HC-B()MP-3 propellers are typically 
installed on

[[Page 17317]]

Pratt & Whitney Canada Model PT6A-() series engines. The HC-B()TN-5 
and HC-B()MN-5 series propellers are typically installed on 
Honeywell International Inc., (formerly AlliedSignal Inc., Garrett 
Turbine Engine Company, and AIResearch Manufacturing Company of 
Arizona) TPE-331-() series engines.

    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 are 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 preclude propeller attaching bolt failures or improperly 
secured propellers, which could lead to separation of the propeller 
from the airplane, do the following:
    (a) Install all new propellers and serviceable propellers, as 
follows, before further flight:
    (1) Install the propeller oil seal to the engine flange after 
ensuring that the engine and propeller flanges are clean.
    (2) Carefully install propeller on the engine flange ensuring 
that complete and true contact is established.
    (3) Apply MIL-T-83483 Petrolated Graphite, or Hartzell Lubricant 
part number (P/N) A-3338, to threads of the eight P/N B-3339 
attaching bolts (and remainder of bolt if desired) and to flat 
surfaces of the eight P/N A-2048-2 washers, or to other equivalent 
FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers.
    (4) Install the eight P/N B-3339 attaching bolts and eight P/N 
A-2048-2 washers, or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts 
and washers, that were prepared in paragraph (a)(3) of this AD, 
through the engine flange and into the propeller flange.
    (5) Torque all attaching bolts with a torque wrench and an 
appropriate adapter, to 40 ft.-lbs., and then to 80 ft.-lbs., 
following sequence ``A'' (shown below). Final torque all attaching 
bolts using sequence ``B'' (shown below) to 100 ft.-lbs. to 105 ft.-
lbs. Safety wire all attaching bolts in an FAA-approved manner.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR06AP05.013

    (6) Once the propeller is installed with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/
N A-2048-2 washers, or other equivalent FAA-approved serviceable 
bolts and washers, this AD no longer applies.
    (b) Within the next 300 hours time-in-service after the 
effective date of this AD, do the following on all applicable 
turbopropellers presently installed with P/N A-2047 attaching bolts:
    (1) Check the torque, with a torque wrench and an appropriate 
adapter, of all eight propeller attaching bolts (with washers 
installed). Torque should be 100 ft-lbs. to 125 ft.-lbs., with dry 
threads. (Caution: Do not use any lubricant with the P/N A-2047 
bolts. Safety wire all bolts in an FAA-approved manner.)
    (2) If the torque of any one of the bolts is found to be less 
than 100 ft.-lbs., remove all eight bolts and washers and replace 
with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, or other equivalent 
FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers, using paragraphs (a)(1) 
through (a)(5) of this AD.
    (3) A P/N A-2047 bolt has the letter ``H'' stamped inside a 
triangle on the bolt. A P/N B-3339 bolt has the P/N stamped inside 
the cupped head.
    (4) If the torque of each P/N A-2047 bolt is in compliance, then 
at next propeller disassembly, remove all eight bolts and washers 
and replace with P/N B-3339 bolts and P/N A-2048-2 washers, or other 
equivalent FAA-approved serviceable bolts and washers. Use 
paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(5) of this AD to do the replacements.
    (5) Hartzell Service Instructions No. 140A, Revision 9, dated 
March 30, 2005, is the latest service information that pertains to 
the subject of this AD.

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

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 11, 2005.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 30, 2005.
Diane Cook,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6778 Filed 4-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P