[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 70 (Thursday, April 12, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18375-18377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6586]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27552; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-AD; 
Amendment 39-15019; AD 2007-08-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3( 
)/ E10950( ) 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. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) propellers. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive inspections and rework of the propeller 
blade retention radius, and replacement of the propeller blade thrust 
bearing, for each blade. This AD results from reports of excessive 
propeller vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust 
bearings found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to 
the airplane, and possible loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 27, 2007. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of April 27, 2007.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by June 11, 2007.

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; e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone: (847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of excessive 
propeller vibration, and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust 
bearings on Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) 
propellers found during routine and investigative propeller 
disassembly. At least 15 propellers have been reported with broken 
propeller blade thrust bearings. During teardowns, instances of bearing 
failures have been progressively more severe, with more internal damage 
to the hub noted. Service history shows the propellers can safely 
accumulate 2,000 operating hours time-since-overhaul (TSO) before the 
unsafe conditions start to appear. A broken thrust bearing can lead to 
damage to the propeller hub and blade shank, and blade separation from 
the hub. These damaged or broken parts can also lead to damage to the 
internal propeller pitch change mechanism, resulting in loss of 
propeller pitch control or in difficulty in feathering the propeller. 
This condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller blade 
separation, damage to the airplane, and possible loss of airplane 
control. Repairing the propeller blade retention radius using the 
instructions cited in Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, allows the propeller 
to safely operate for 3,000 hours before requiring bearing replacement.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006. 
That SB describes procedures for initial and repetitive propeller blade 
inspection, rework, and thrust bearing replacement, for each blade.

[[Page 18376]]

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, Revision 2, dated 
October 24, 2006, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions, to install new blade thrust bearings if required. 
However, this AD removes the option of ``if required,'' and mandates 
that operators must always install new blade thrust bearings.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( )/E10950( ) 
propellers of the same type design. For that reason, we are issuing 
this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the airplane, 
and possible loss of airplane control. You must use the service 
information described previously to perform the actions required by 
this AD.
    This AD requires:
     For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours TSO, 
initial inspection and rework of the propeller blade retention radius 
and replacement of the propeller thrust bearing for each blade, within 
100 operating hours after the effective date of the AD; and
     For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but 
fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO, inspection and rework of the 
propeller blade retention radius and replacement of the propeller 
thrust bearing, for each blade, at the next propeller disassembly; and
     Thereafter, after every 3,000 additional operating hours 
time-in-service, inspection and rework of the propeller blade retention 
radius and replacement of the propeller blade thrust bearing, for each 
blade.
    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-2007-27552; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-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 Docket 
Management System (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, 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 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility (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 this AD:
    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

    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:

2007-08-02 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-15019; Docket No. 
FAA-2007-27552; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-11-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
27, 2007.

[[Page 18377]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-E4A-3( 
)/E10950( ) propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not 
limited to, Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D airplanes.
    (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.

Unsafe Condition

    (e) This AD results from reports of excessive propeller 
vibration and of damaged or broken propeller blade thrust bearings 
found during routine and investigative propeller disassembly. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade separation, damage to the 
airplane, and possible loss of airplane control.

Interim Action

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

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 Inspection, Rework, and Replacement

    (h) For propellers with 4,000 or more operating hours time-
since-overhaul (TSO, initially inspect and rework the propeller 
blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust bearing for 
each blade, within 100 operating hours.
    (i) For propellers with 2,000 or more operating hours TSO, but 
fewer than 4,000 operating hours TSO, inspect and rework the 
propeller blade retention radius and replace the propeller thrust 
bearing, for each blade, at the next propeller disassembly.
    (j) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin No. HC-SB-
61-287, Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do the actions in 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.
    (k) Although Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, 
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states in paragraph 3.G.(6) of 
the Accomplishment Instructions, to install new blade thrust 
bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new blade 
thrust bearings.

Repetitive Inspection, Rework, and Replacement

    (l) Thereafter, after every 3,000 additional operating hours 
time-in-service, inspect and rework the propeller blade retention 
radius and replace the propeller blade thrust bearing, for each 
blade.
    (m) Use paragraphs 3.G.(1) through 3.G.(8) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, 
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, to do these actions.
    (n) Although paragraph 3.G.(6) of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, 
Revision 2, dated October 24, 2006, states to install new blade 
thrust bearings if required, this AD requires always installing new 
blade thrust bearings.

Definition

    (o) For the purpose of this AD, next propeller disassembly is 
defined as any maintenance requiring separating of the propeller hub 
halves.

Previous Credit

    (p) Previous credit is allowed for inspections, rework, and 
replacements that were done using the Original or Revision 1 of 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-287, before the effective 
date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (q) 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

    (r) Contact Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East 
Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone: (847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834, for more information 
about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (s) You must use the Hartzell Propeller Inc. service information 
specified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the checks required by 
this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 1 of 
this AD in 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.

                                      Table 1.--Incorporation by Reference
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    Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service
             Bulletin No.                          Page              Revision                 Date
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HC-SB-61-287, Total Pages: 32.........  ALL......................            2  October 24, 2006.
Appendix to HC-SB-61-287, Total Pages:  ALL......................            2  October 24, 2006.
 2.
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    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 3, 2007.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-6586 Filed 4-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P