[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 174 (Friday, September 8, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52994-52998]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14691]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25244; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-25-AD; 
Amendment 39-14754; AD 2006-18-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-
( ) Series Propellers

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 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propellers with non-
suffix serial number (SN) propeller hubs installed on Lycoming O-, IO-, 
LO-, and AEIO-360 series reciprocating engines. This AD requires 
initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) of the front 
cylinder half of the propeller hub for cracks and removing cracked hubs 
from service before further flight. In addition, this AD allows 
installation of an improved design propeller hub (suffix SN ``A'' or 
``B'') as terminating action to the repetitive ECI. This AD results 
from a report of a propeller blade separating from a propeller hub. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub causing 
blade separation and subsequent loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2006. The Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of September 25, 2006.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by November 7, 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 Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, 
One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax 
(937) 778-4391, for the service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294-
7132; fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In April 2006, we received a report of a 
propeller blade separation on a Hartzell Propeller Inc. two blade, 
aluminum hub, ``compact'' ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propeller. Also, to 
date, we received seven reports of excessive vibration determined to be 
caused by cracks in the propeller hub fillet. Those propellers were 
manufactured before December 1991 (non-suffix SN propeller hubs) and 
are installed on Lycoming O-, IO-, LO-, and AEIO-360 series 
reciprocating engines. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in blade separation and subsequent loss of airplane control.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) HC-SB-61-269, dated April 18, 
2005. That SB describes procedures for eddy current inspections of 
propeller hubs on affected propellers. That SB also lists improved 
design replacement propeller hub part numbers.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series 
propellers of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub causing blade 
separation and subsequent loss of airplane control. This AD requires, 
within 50 operating hours time-in-service (TIS), an initial ECI of the 
front cylinder half of non-suffix SN propeller hubs for cracks. This AD 
also requires, within every 100 operating hours TIS or annual 
inspection, whichever occurs first, repetitive ECIs of the front 
cylinder half of non-suffix SN propeller hubs for cracks. This AD also 
requires removing cracked hubs from service before further flight. 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.

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-2006-25244; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-25-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, 
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

[[Page 52995]]

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 Office 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:

2006-18-15 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-14754. Docket No. 
FAA-2006-25244; Directorate Identifier 2006-NE-25-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 25, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( 
) series propellers with non-suffix serial number (SN) propeller 
hubs installed on Lycoming O-, IO-, LO-, and AEIO-360 series 
reciprocating engines. These propellers and engines could be 
installed on, but not limited to:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1A...................  Piper Aircraft......  Comanche (PA-24).
                              Lake Aircraft.......  Colonial (C-2, LA -
                                                     4, 4A, or 4P).
                              Mooney Aircraft.....  Mark ``20B'' (M-
                                                     20B).
                              Earl Horton.........  Pawnee (Piper PA-
                                                     25).
                              Partenavia..........  Oscar (P-66).
                              Siai-Marchetti......  (S-205).
                              Procaer.............  Picchio (F-15-A).
                              S.A.A.B.............  Safir (91-D).
                              Malmo...............  Vipan (MF-10B).
                              Aero Boero..........  AB-180.
                              Beagle..............  Airedale (A-109).
                              DeHavilland.........  Drover (DHA-3MK3).
                              Kingsford-Smith.....  Bushmaster (J5-6).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1AD..................  S.O.C.A.T.A.........  Tabago TB-10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1D...................  Piper Aircraft......  Comanche (PA-24).
                              Lake Aircraft.......  Colonial (LA -4, 4A,
                                                     or 4P).
                              Doyn Aircraft.......  Doyn-Beech (Beech
                                                     95).
                              Mooney Aircraft.....  Master ``21'' (M-
                                                     20E).
                                                    Mark ``20B'',
                                                     ``20D'', (M20B,
                                                     M20C),
                                                    Mooney Statesman (M-
                                                     20G).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1F6..................  Cessna Aircraft.....  Cardinal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1F6D.................  Cessna Aircraft.....  Cardinal 177.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Teal III............  TSC (1A3).
O-360-A1G6..................  Aero Commander......
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 52996]]

 
O-360-A1G6D.................  Beech Aircraft......  Duchess 76.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1H6..................  Piper Aircraft......  Seminole (PA-44).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A1P...................  Aviat...............  Husky.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A2A...................  Avion Jodel.........  D-140-B.
                              S.O.C.A.T.A.........  Rallye Commodore (MS-
                                                     893).
                              Partenavia..........  Oscar (P-66).
                              Beagle..............  Husky (D5-180) (J1-
                                                     U).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A2D...................  Piper Aircraft......  Comanche (PA-24),
                                                     Cherokee ``C'' (PA-
                                                     28 ``180'').
                              Mooney Aircraft.....  Master ``21'' (M-
                                                     20D), Mark ``21''
                                                     (M-20E).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A2F...................  Dynac Aerospace Corp  Aero Commander Model
                                                     100.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A2G...................  Beech Aircraft......  Sport.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A3A...................  C.A.A.R.P.S.A.N.....  (M-23III).
                              Robin...............  Regent (DR400/180),
                                                     Remorqueur (DR400/
                                                     180R), R-3170.
                              S.O.C.A.T.A.........  Rallye 180GT,
                                                     Sportavia Sportsman
                                                     (RS-180).
                              Norman Aeroplace Co.  NAC-1 Freelance.
                              Nash Aircraft Ltd...  Petrel.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A3AD..................  S.O.C.A.T.A.........  TB-10.
                              Robin...............  Aiglon (R-1180T).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4A...................  Piper Aircraft......  Cherokee ``D'' (PA-
                                                     28 ``180'').
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4D...................  Varga...............  Kachina.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4G...................  Beech Aircraft......  Musketeer Custom
                                                     III.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4K...................  Grumman American....  Tiger.
                              Beech Aircraft......  Sundowner 180.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4M...................  Piper Aircraft......  Archer II (PA-28
                                                     ``18'').
                              Valmet..............  PIK-23.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4N...................  Cessna Aircraft.....  172 (Optional).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A4P...................  Penn Yan............  Super Cub
                                                     Conversion.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-A5AD..................  C. Itoh and Co......  Fuji FA -200.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-B2C...................  Seabird Aviation....  SB7L.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C1A...................  Intermountain Mfg.    Call Air (A-6).
                               Co..
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C1E...................  Bellanca Aircraft...  Scout (8GCBC-CS).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C1F...................  Maule...............  Star Rocket MX-7-
                                                     180.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C1G...................  Christen............  Husky (A-1).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C2E...................  Bellanca Aircraft...  Scout (8GCBC FP).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C4F...................  Maule...............  MX-7-180A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-C4P...................  Penn Yan............  Super Cub
                                                     Conversion.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-F1A6..................  Cessna Aircraft.....  Cutlass RG.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
O-360-J2A...................  Robinson............  R22.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1A..................  Beech Aircraft......  Travel-Air (B-95A).
                              Doyn Aircraft.......  Doyn-Piper (PA -23
                                                     ``200'').
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1B..................  Beech Aircraft......  Travel-Air (B-95B).
                              Doyn Aircraft.......  Doyn-Piper (PA -23
                                                     ``200'').
                              Fuji................  (FA-200).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1D..................  United Consultants..  See-Bee.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 52997]]

 
IO-360-B1E..................  Piper Aircraft......  Arrow (PA-28
                                                     ``180R'').
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1F..................  Utva................  75.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B2E..................  C.A.A.R.P...........  C.A.P. (10).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1F6.................  Great Lakes.........  Trainer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B1G6.................  American Blimp......  Spector 42.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-B2F6.................  Great Lakes.........  Trainer.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LO-360-A1G6D................  Beech Aircraft......  Duchess.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LO-360-A1H6.................  Piper Aircraft......  Seminole (PA-44).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-E1A..................  T.R. Smith Aircraft.  Aerostar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-M1A..................  Diamond Aircraft....  DA-40.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
IO-360-M1B..................  Vans Aircraft.......  RV6, RV7, RV8.
                              Lancair.............  360.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-B1F................  F.F.A...............  Bravo (200).
                              Grob................  G115/Sport-Acro.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-B1G6...............  Great Lakes.........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-B2F................  Mundry..............  CAP-10.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-B4A................  Pitts...............  S-1S.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-H1A................  Bellanca Aircraft...  Super Decathalon
                                                     (8KCAB-180).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
AEIO-360-H1B................  American Champion...  Super Decathalon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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 still applies regardless 
of whether these letters are present or absent in the propeller 
model designation.

Propellers Not Affected by This AD

    (e) Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propellers 
installed on the following aircraft are not affected by this AD, but 
are affected by AD 2001-23-08 which addresses the same unsafe 
condition:
    (1) Aerobatic aircraft (including certificated aerobatic 
aircraft, military trainers, or any aircraft routinely exposed to 
aerobatic usage).
    (2) Agricultural aircraft.
    (3) Piper PA-32( ) series aircraft with Lycoming 540 series 
reciprocating engines rated at 300 HP or higher.
    (4) Britten Norman BN-2( ) series aircraft with Lycoming 540 
series reciprocating engines.

Unsafe Condition

    (f) This AD results from a report of a propeller blade 
separating from a propeller hub. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the propeller hub causing blade separation and subsequent 
loss of airplane control. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the propeller hub causing blade separation and subsequent loss of 
airplane control.

Compliance

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

Initial Propeller Hub Eddy Current Inspection (ECI)

    (h) Within 50 operating hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, perform an initial ECI of the front 
cylinder half of the propeller hub for cracks.
    (i) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(4)(g) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) HC-SB-
61-269, dated April 18, 2005, to perform the ECI inspection.
    (j) If any cracks are found, remove the propeller hub from 
service before further flight.
    (k) If no cracks are found, mark the propeller using paragraph 
3.A.(6)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) HC-SB-61-269, dated April 18, 2005, to 
indicate compliance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB HC-SB-61-269, 
dated April 18, 2005.

Repetitive Propeller Hub ECIs

    (l) Within every 100 operating hours TIS after the last 
propeller hub ECI inspection, or at every annual inspection, 
whichever occurs first, perform repetitive ECIs of the front 
cylinder half of the propeller hub for cracks.
    (m) If any cracks are found, remove the propeller hub from 
service before further flight.

Optional Terminating Action

    (n) As optional terminating action to the repetitive ECIs 
required by this AD:
    (1) Replace the non-suffix SN propeller hub with a propeller hub 
identified by an ``A'' or ``B'' suffix letter in the propeller hub 
SN; except
    (2) Do not install a suffix ``A'' propeller hub that was 
previously installed on an aircraft affected by the original issue 
or later revision of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB HC-SB-61-227.
    (3) Replacement propeller hub part numbers can be found in 
paragraph 2.A., Material Information, of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB 
HC-SB-61-269, dated April 18, 2005.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (o) 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.

Related Information

    (p) Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB HC-SB-61-227, Revision 2, dated 
April 18, 2005, and AD 2001-23-08 pertain to the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (q) You must use Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin HC-SB-
61-269, dated April 18, 2005, to perform the ECI inspections 
required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in

[[Page 52998]]

accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One Propeller 
Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 778-
4391, 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 August 30, 2006.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14691 Filed 9-7-06; 8:45 am]
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