[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 156 (Monday, August 14, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46413-46415]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13238]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Compact Series 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) for Hartzell Propeller Inc. models ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( )( 
)( ) compact series, constant speed or feathering propellers with 
Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank aluminum blades. That AD currently 
requires initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections; 
rework of all ``Y'' shank aluminum blades including cold rolling of the 
blade shank retention radius, blade replacement and modification of 
pitch change mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the 
airplane operating limitations with specific models of propellers 
installed. This proposed AD would require the same actions but would 
clarify certain areas of the compliance and would update a certain 
service bulletin (SB) reference to the most recent SB. This proposed AD 
results from operators requesting clarification of certain portions of 
AD 2002-09-08. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the 
propeller blade from fatigue cracks in the blade shank radius, which 
can result in damage to the airplane and loss of airplane control.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by October 13, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD:
     By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2000-NE-08-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803.
     By fax: (781) 238-7055.
     By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One 
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 
778-4391.
    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 60018-4696; 
telephone (847) 294-8110; fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
AD. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a 
substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the contact and 
place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received 
by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those 
comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Discussion

    On April 24, 2002, we issued AD 2002-09-08, Amendment 39-12741 (67 
FR 31113, May 9, 2002). That AD requires, for Hartzell models ( )HC-( 
)( )Y ( )-( )( )( ) compact series, constant speed or feathering 
propellers with Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank aluminum blades:
     Initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections;
     Rework of all ``Y'' shank blades including cold rolling of 
the blade shank retention radius;
     Blade replacement and modification of pitch change 
mechanisms for certain propeller models; and
     Changing the airplane operating limitations with specific 
models of propellers installed.
    That AD resulted from FAA reviews of propeller service histories 
since issuing AD 77-12-06R2. The reviews included reports of fatigue 
cracks that might result in blade separation. That condition, if not 
corrected, could result in failure of the propeller blade from fatigue 
cracks in the blade shank radius, which can result in damage to the 
airplane and loss of airplane control.

Actions Since AD 2002-09-08 Was Issued

    Since that AD was issued, operators have requested:
     Clarification that the affected blades are aluminum;
     Clarification as to what are the correct identification 
letters stamped on the blades;
     Clarification that if AD 77-12-06 was complied with, then 
no further action is required; and
     The addition of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin 
No. HC-SB-61-118, Revision E, and HC-SB-61-118, Revision F, to the list 
of approved alternative methods of compliance to SB No. 118A.
    We have made these clarifications and additions in the proposed AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require 
initial blade inspections, with no repetitive inspections; rework of 
all ``Y'' shank blades including cold rolling of the blade shank 
retention radius, blade replacement and modification of pitch change 
mechanisms for certain propeller models; and changing the airplane 
operating limitations with specific models of propellers installed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 35,750 propellers 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We expect that all of the 
affected propellers should have already been inspected to comply with 
the existing AD's requirements to inspect, and rework or replace the 
blades. If these actions have not already been done, then the total 
cost to comply with this proposed AD is estimated to be $700 per 
propeller.

Special Flight Permits Paragraph Removed

    Paragraph (f) of the current AD, AD 2002-09-08, contains a 
paragraph pertaining to special flight permits. Even though this final 
rule does not

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contain a similar paragraph, we have made no changes with regard to the 
use of special flight permits to operate the airplane to a repair 
facility to do the work required by this AD. In July 2002, we published 
a new part 39 that contains a general authority regarding special 
flight permits and airworthiness directives; see Docket No. FAA-2004-
8460, Amendment 39-9474 (69 FR 47998, July 22, 2002). Thus, when we now 
supersede ADs we will not include a specific paragraph on special 
flight permits unless we want to limit the use of that general 
authority granted in section 39.23.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Would 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 proposal and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-12741 (67 FR 
31113, May 9, 2002) and by adding a new airworthiness directive to read 
as follows:

Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Docket No. 2000-NE-08-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by October 13, 
2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-09-08, Amendment 39-12741.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propellers Inc. models ( )HC-( 
)( )Y( )-( )( )( ) compact series constant speed or feathering 
propellers with Hartzell manufactured ``Y'' shank aluminum blades. 
These propellers are used on, but not limited to, the following 
airplanes:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Manufacturer                        Airplane model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aermacchi S.pA. (formerly Siai-Marchetti).  S-208.
Aero Commander............................  200B and 200D.
Aerostar..................................  600.
Beech.....................................  24, 35, 36, 45, 55, 56TC,
                                             58, 60, and 95.
Bellanca..................................  14 and 17 series.
Cessna....................................  182 and 188.
Embraer...................................  EMB-200A.
Maule.....................................  M5.
Mooney....................................  M20 and M22.
Pilatus Britten Norman, or Britten Norman.  BN-2, BN-2A, and BN-2A-6.
Piper.....................................  PA-23, PA-24, PA-28, PA-30,
                                             PA-31, PA-32, PA-34, PA-36,
                                             and PA-39.
Pitts.....................................  S-1T and S-2A.
Rockwell..................................  112, 114, 200, 500, and 685
                                             series.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) The parentheses appearing in the propeller model number 
indicates the presence or absence of an additional letter(s) that 
varies the basic propeller model. This AD applies regardless of 
whether these letters are present or absent in the propeller model 
designation.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from operators requesting clarification of 
certain portions of AD 2002-09-08. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the propeller blade from fatigue cracks in the blade 
shank radius, which can result in damage to the airplane and loss of 
airplane control.

Compliance

    (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.
    (g) If the propeller maintenance records show compliance with AD 
77-12-06R2, then compliance was previously done and no further 
action is required.
    (h) Propellers are considered in compliance with the onetime 
inspection and rework requirements only, of this AD if:
    (1) All blades are serial number D47534 and above, or
    (2) All blades are identified with the letters ``PR'' or ``R'' 
which are ink-stamped on the camber side, or the letters ``RD'' 
which are metal-stamped on the blade butt.

Models ( )HC-( )( )Y( ) Compact Series ``Y'' Shank Propellers

    (i) If propeller models ( )HC-( )( )Y( ) have not been inspected 
and reworked in accordance with AD 77-12-06R2, then before further 
flight, do a onetime action to remove, inspect, rework, or replace 
blades if necessary using Hartzell Service Bulletin (SB) No. 118A, 
dated February 15, 1977.

Propeller Blade Shank Cold Rolling

    Note 1: One requirement in Hartzell SB No. 118A is the cold 
rolling of the propeller blade shank. This is a critical requirement 
in the prevention of cracks in the blade. Propeller repair shops 
must obtain and maintain proper certification to perform the cold 
rolling procedure. For a current list of propeller overhaul 
facilities approved to perform the blade shank cold rolling 
procedure, contact Hartzell Product Support, telephone: (937) 778-
4200. Not all propeller repair facilities have the equipment to 
properly perform a cold roll of the blade shanks. In addition, any 
rework in the blade shank area will also necessitate the cold 
rolling of the blade shank area, apart from the onetime cold rolling 
requirement of this AD.

Instrument Panel Modifications

    (j) If airplanes with propeller models ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( 
)7666A-( ), installed on (undampered) 200 horsepower Lycoming IO-360 
series engines, have not been modified using AD 77-12-06R2, then 
modify the

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airplane instrument panel according to the following subparagraphs 
before further flight. Airplanes include, but are not limited to, 
Mooney M20E and M20F (normal category), Piper PA-28R-200 (normal 
category), and Pitts S-1T and S-2A (acrobatic category).
    (1) For normal category airplanes, before further flight, remove 
the present vibration placard and affix a new placard near the 
engine tachometer that states:
    ``Avoid continuous operation:
    Between 2,000 and 2,350 rpm.''
    (2) For utility and acrobatic category airplanes, before further 
flight, remove the present vibration placard and affix a new placard 
near the engine tachometer that states:
    ``Avoid continuous operation:
    Between 2,000 and 2,350 rpm.
    Above 2,600 rpm in acrobatic flight.''
    (3) For normal category airplanes, re-mark the engine tachometer 
face or bezel with a red arc for the restricted engine speed range, 
between 2,000 and 2,350 rpm.
    (4) For acrobatic and utility airplanes, re-mark the engine 
tachometer face or bezel with a red arc for each restricted engine 
speed range, i.e., between 2,000 and 2,350 rpm and between 2,600 and 
2,700 rpm (red line).

Models ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( )8475( )-( ) or ( )( )8477( )-( ) 
Propellers

    (k) If propeller models ( )HC-C2YK-( )( )( )/( )( )8475( )-( ) 
or ( )( )8477( )-( ) have not been inspected and reworked in 
accordance with AD 74-15-02, then do the following maintenance 
before further flight.
    (1) Remove propeller from airplane.
    (2) Modify pitch change mechanism, and replace blades with 
equivalent model blades prefixed with letter ``F'' using Hartzell 
Service Letter No. 69, dated November 30, 1971 and Hartzell SB No. 
101D, dated December 19, 1974.
    (3) Inspect and repair or replace, if necessary, using Hartzell 
SB No. 118A, dated February 15, 1977.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (l) The Manager, Chicago 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. Alternative 
methods of compliance to Hartzell SB No. 118A are Hartzell SB No. 
118B, SB No. 118C, SB No. 118D, SB No. HC-SB-61-118E, SB No. HC-SB-
61-118F, and Hartzell Manual 133C. Alternative method of compliance 
to Hartzell SB No. 101D is Hartzell Manual 133C. No adjustment in 
the compliance time is allowed.

Related Information

    (m) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 8, 2006.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13238 Filed 8-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P