[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]
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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.
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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
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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
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(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