[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 229 (Wednesday, November 30, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71753-71756]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-23430]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22731; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-36-AD; 
Amendment 39-14389; AD 2005-24-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Propeller 
Assemblies Models 2D34C53/74E-X; D2A34C58/90AT-X; 3AF32C87/82NC-X; 
D3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3A32C88/82NC-X; D3A32C90/82NC-X; and 3AF34C92/90LF-
X.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
McCauley Propeller Systems propeller assemblies, models 2D34C53/74E-X; 
D2A34C58/90AT-X; 3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3A32C88/82NC-X; 
D3A32C90/82NC-X; and 3AF34C92/90LF-X. This AD requires, within 10 
flight hours or 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, removing certain serial number propeller hubs from 
service. This AD results from a report by the manufacturer that they 
manufactured and released 40 propeller hubs with improperly machined 
socket retention threads. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked 
propeller hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade 
separation, and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 15, 2005.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by January 30, 2006.

[[Page 71754]]


ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 
67277-7704, U.S.A.; telephone (800) 621-7767, for the service 
information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209, telephone: (316) 946-4148; fax: 
(316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In August of 2005, McCauley Propeller 
Systems reported to the FAA that a repair facility found a single, new, 
unused propeller hub with improperly machined socket retention threads. 
Further investigation revealed that McCauley Propeller Systems 
improperly machined socket retention threads on 40 propeller hubs, 
manufactured in 2004 and 2005. Using a propeller hub with improperly 
machined socket retention threads could cause concentrated loading on 
the threads, resulting in cracking of the hub and blade separation. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the 
propeller hub, blade separation, and loss of control of the airplane.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other McCauley Propeller Systems propeller assemblies, 
models 2D34C53/74E-X; D2A34C58/90AT-X; 3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3AF32C87/82NC-
X; D3A32C88/82NC-X; D3A32C90/82NC-X; and 3AF34C92/90LF-X of the same 
type design. For that reason, we are issuing this AD to prevent cracked 
hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub, blade separation, 
and loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires, within 10 flight 
hours or 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
first, removing affected propeller hubs from service, and sending those 
propeller hubs to a McCauley Service Center. This AD also requires, 
before assembly into a replacement propeller hub, visually inspecting 
the retention nut threads with a 10-power magnifier, and replacing the 
nut if necessary.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable. Good cause 
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you however, to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. FAA-2005-22731; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-36-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the DMS web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets. The 
dockets include the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments 
received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management 
Facility Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in 
ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
the DMS receives them.

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 Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Under 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:

[[Page 71755]]

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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

?>2005-24-09 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-14389. Docket 
No. FAA-2005-22731; Directorate Identifier 2005-NE-36-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
15, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems propeller 
assemblies, models 2D34C53/74E-X; D2A34C58/90AT-X; 3AF32C87/82NC-X; 
D3AF32C87/82NC-X; D3A32C88/82NC-X; D3A32C90/82NC-X; and 3AF34C92/
90LF-X, with the propeller hubs listed by serial number in the 
following Table 1:

                    Table 1.--Affected Propeller Hubs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Hub serial
                         Hub model                              number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
C58, C34, C49, C78, C98....................................       030725
                                                                  030726
                                                                  030727
                                                                  030728
                                                                  030729
                                                                  030730
                                                                  030748
                                                                  030749
                                                                  030750
                                                                  030751
                                                                  030752
                                                                  030753
                                                                  030754
                                                                  030755
                                                                  030756
                                                                  030757
                                                                  030758
                                                                  030759
                                                                  030760
                                                                  050403
                                                                  050407
                                                                  050408
                                                                  050410
                                                                  050475
                                                                  050477
C53........................................................       050389
C79, C90...................................................       042206
                                                                  042207
                                                                  042208
C77, C88...................................................       042201
                                                                  042202
C87 blank index, C72, C93..................................       042239
                                                                  042524
                                                                  042527
                                                                  042528
                                                                  042529
                                                                  050071
                                                                  050073
C92, C74, C86..............................................       050866
C87 D index................................................       050934
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) Because a propeller hub can be interchanged and re-
identified as a different model with the installation of different 
studs or adapters, any of the affected hubs could have been re-
identified as a different model. Each propeller hub model listed in 
Table 1 of this AD is the original hub configuration when shipped 
from McCauley.
    (e) The propeller hubs listed in Table 1 of this AD are 
installed on, but not limited to, the airplanes listed in the 
following Table 2:

          Table 2.--Airplanes Installed On, But Not Limited To
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Airplane                               Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beagle....................................  B206.
Bellanca..................................  14-19-3A, 17-30, 17-30A.
Cessna....................................  180 series.
                                            182E thru R.
                                            185, A, B, C, D, E, F.
                                            A185, E, F.
                                            A188, A188A, A188B.
                                            206 series.
                                            P206, A, B, C, D, E.
                                            U206A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
                                            TP206A, B, C, D, E.
                                            TU206A, B, C, D, E, F.
                                            U206, A, B, C, D, E, F, G.
                                            207, A, T207.
                                            210-5, 210-5A, 210, A, B, C,
                                             D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L.
                                            T210F, G, H, J, K, L.
                                            310I, 310P, Q, R, T310P, Q,
                                             R.
                                            320, A, B, C, D, E, F.
                                            335.
                                            340, A.
                                            401, A, B.
                                            402, A, B, C.
                                            411, A.
                                            414, A.
                                            421, A, B.
Fuji......................................  FA-200-180.
Globe.....................................  GC-1B.
Hindustan.................................  HA-31.
Meyers....................................  200B, C, D.
Mooney....................................  M20C, D, G.
Navion....................................  A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H.
Procaer...................................  F15/C.
Transavia.................................  PL12.
Windecker.................................  AC-7
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (f) This AD results from a report by the manufacturer that they 
manufactured and released 40 propeller hubs with improperly machined 
socket retention threads. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked 
propeller hubs, which could cause failure of the propeller hub, 
blade separation, and loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (g) You are responsible for having the affected propeller hubs 
removed from service within 10 flight hours or 10 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Propeller Hub Removal

    (h) Remove from service propeller assemblies with affected 
propeller hubs, listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (i) Send propeller assemblies with affected propeller hubs 
listed in Table 1 of this AD to a McCauley Service Center for 
disassembly, inspection, and propeller hub replacement with a 
serviceable propeller hub.
    (j) Send uninstalled propeller hubs listed in Table 1 of this AD 
to a McCauley Service Center for replacement with a serviceable 
propeller hub.

Replacement Propeller Hub Pre-Installation Requirements

    (k) For retention nuts that were removed from an affected 
propeller hub, visually inspect the retention nut threads with a 10-
power magnifier before assembly into a replacement propeller hub. 
Reject the nut for any signs of galling, heavy localized loading, 
thread deformation, or chipped threads that may have been caused by 
thread interference in the propeller hub.

Reporting Requirements

    (l) Report within 10 calendar days of finding affected propeller 
hubs to:
    (1) The FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, Attention: Jeff Janusz, telephone 
(316) 946-4148; e-mail: [email protected]; and
    (2) McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 
97277-7704.
    (3) Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office of 
Management (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

McCauley Credit Program

    (m) McCauley Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB251A, dated September 
28, 2005 contains information on a credit program for affected hubs.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (n) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Special Flight Permits

    (o) Under 39.23, we are limiting the special flight permits for 
this AD by the following conditions:
    (1) The propeller must have an oil-filled propeller hub and have 
no history of hub oil leakage.

[[Page 71756]]

    (2) You must visually examine the propeller hub, and it must 
have no evidence of existing cracks.
    (3) You are allowed a single-occupant (pilot only), non-revenue 
flight to a base of maintenance or FAA-approved propeller repair 
facility only.
    (4) Your total flight time must not exceed 10 hours.

Related Information

    (p) McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin No. 
ASB251A, dated September 28, 2005, pertains to the subject of this 
AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 22, 2005.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-23430 Filed 11-29-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U