[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 143 (Wednesday, July 26, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42258-42260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11799]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25173; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-24-AD; 
Amendment 39-14693; AD 2006-15-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Propeller 
Models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/
114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0

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 models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, 
C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/
L114HCA-0. This AD requires a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection 
(FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of propeller blades for cracks, 
and if any crack indications are found, removing the blade from 
service. This AD results from a report of two propeller blades on the 
same propeller assembly, found cracked during propeller overhaul. We 
are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could 
cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control 
of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 10, 2006. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of August 10, 2006.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by September 25, 2006.

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, 7751 East Pawnee, Wichita, KS 
67277 for the service information referenced in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, telephone: (316) 946-
4148; fax: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In May 2006, McCauley Propeller Systems 
received a report from an operator of two propeller blades found 
cracked during propeller overhaul. The propeller blades were installed 
on the same propeller assembly; on a ``Jetstream 41'' airplane. The 
cracks were located in the propeller blade retention groove, near the 
ledge where the split retainers seat and on or near the shot peened 
surface of the retention groove. To date, no further reports of these 
cracks have been received, and we know of no propeller blade failures 
due to these cracks. The FAA is continuing to investigate, however, and 
we may issue further ADs based on the inspection results reported to us 
under this AD. In order to assess the extent of any problem, we need to 
have all the inspection results reported to us, even those showing that 
no crack indications were found. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in a failure and separation of the propeller blade and 
loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley 
Propellers Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) ASB252, dated June 6, 2006. 
That ASB describes procedures for performing a onetime FPI and ECI of 
propeller blades for cracks.

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 models 
B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/114HCA-0, 
and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0 of the same type design. For that reason, we 
are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that could 
cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss of control 
of the airplane. This AD requires for certain blades, a onetime FPI and 
ECI of propeller blades for cracks within 100 operating hours time-in-
service after the effective date of the AD, and if any crack 
indications are found, removal from service. You must use the service 
information described previously to perform the actions required by 
this AD.

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, and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

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; however, we invite you 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-2006-25173; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-24-D'' 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, 
including 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,

[[Page 42259]]

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 have 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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:

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:

2006-15-13 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-14693. Docket 
No. FAA-2006-25173; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-24-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
10, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems propeller 
models B5JFR36C1101/114GCA-0, C5JFR36C1102/L114GCA-0, B5JFR36C1103/
114HCA-0, and C5JFR36C1104/L114HCA-0. These propellers are installed 
on BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4100 and 4101 
series airplanes (Jetstream 41).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of two propeller blades on the 
same propeller assembly, found cracked during propeller overhaul. We 
are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the propeller blade that 
could cause failure and separation of the propeller blade and loss 
of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Onetime Propeller Blade Inspection

    (f) Perform a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection and eddy 
current inspection of propeller blades, using the Equipment Required 
and Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propellers Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB252, dated June 6, 2006, using the following compliance 
schedule:

                      Table 1.--Compliance Schedule
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                                            Then inspect the propeller
        If the propeller blade:                       blade:
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(1) Has 1,200 operating hours or more    Within 100 operating hours TIS
 time-in-service (TIS) and has not        after the effective date of
 reached first overhaul.                  this AD.
(2) Has 1,000 operating hours or more    Within 100 operating hours TIS
 TIS since last overhaul.                 after the effective date of
                                          this AD.
(3) Has fewer than 1,200 operating       Before the propeller blade
 hours TIS.                               reaches 1,300 operating hours
                                          TIS.
(4) Has been overhauled but has fewer    Upon reaching 1,100 operating
 than 1,000 operating hours time-since-   hours TSO.
 overhaul (TSO).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Propeller Blades Found Cracked

    (g) Remove from service propeller blades found with any crack 
indications.

Reporting Requirements

    (h) Within 10 calendar days of the inspection, use the Reporting 
Form for Service Bulletin 252 to report all inspection findings to:
    (1) The FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209, Attention: Jeff Janusz, telephone 
(316) 946-4148; FAX (316) 946-4107, e-mail: [email protected]; and
    (2) McCauley Propeller Systems, 7751 East Pawnee, Wichita, KS 
67277.
    (3) The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the 
reporting requirements and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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

    (j) Under 39.23, we are limiting the availability of special 
flight permits for this AD. Special flight permits are available 
only if:
    (1) The operator has not seen signs of external oil leakage from 
the hub; and

[[Page 42260]]

    (2) The operator has not observed abnormal propeller vibration 
or abnormal engine vibration; and
    (3) The operator has not observed any other abnormal operation 
from the engine or propeller; and
    (4) The operator has not made earlier reports of abnormal 
propeller vibration, abnormal engine vibration, or other abnormal 
engine or propeller operations, that have not been addressed.

Related Information

    (k) None.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (l) You must use McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service 
Bulletin ASB252, dated June 6, 2006, to perform the inspections 
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact McCauley 
Propeller Systems, 7751 East Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67277, for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 18, 2006.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11799 Filed 7-25-06; 8:45 am]
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