[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 2, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37791-37793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-14312]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0254; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-06-AD; 
Amendment 39-15591; AD 2008-13-28]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( 
)(2,3)Y(K,R)-2 Two- and Three-Bladed Compact 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. left-hand rotating ( )HC-( )(2,3)Y(K,R)-2 two- 
and three-bladed, aluminum hub, ``compact'' series propellers, with 
hubs having a non-suffix serial number, and lubrication holes located 
on the shoulder of the hub blade socket. These propellers are installed 
on Lycoming Engines LIO-360 series and LO-360 series reciprocating 
engines installed on Piper Aircraft, Inc. Seneca PA-34-200 and Seminole 
PA-44-180, and Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 76 Duchess, 
airplanes. This AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current 
inspections (ECI), of the area around the lubrication holes of the hub 
blade sockets. This AD results from four reports of propeller hub 
cracks, including two in-flight blade separation events. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub, which could result in 
blade separation and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 17, 2008. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications listed in the regulations as of July 17, 2008.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by September 2, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: U.S. Docket Management Facility, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    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, Senior Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (847) 294-8110; fax (847) 294-7132.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We received four reports of hub cracks 
initiating from the lubrication holes on ``left-hand'' rotating 
propellers, including incidents of in-flight blade

[[Page 37792]]

separation, in Hartzell two blade ``compact'' series aluminum 
propellers. These propellers have hubs with a non-suffix serial number, 
and lubrication holes located on the shoulder of the hub blade socket. 
We received the most recent report of a cracked hub, in June 2007. The 
lubrication holes on the ``left-hand'' rotating propeller experience 
additional stresses not experienced in the lubrication holes on 
``right-hand'' rotating propellers. Some of the hub cracks were found 
during inspection following a report of abnormal vibration or grease 
leakage. Such a crack typically initiates in the area around the 
lubrication holes. As a crack spreads across the blade socket, the 
spreading can accelerate. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in failure of the propeller hub which could result in blade 
separation and loss of control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-297, Revision 
1, dated November 14, 2007. That ASB describes procedures for 
performing initial and repetitive ECIs of the propeller hubs for 
cracks.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. left-hand rotating ( )HC-( 
)(2,3)Y(K,R)-2 two- and three-bladed compact series propellers of the 
same type design. For that reason, we are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the propeller hub, which could result in blade separation 
and loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires an initial ECI of 
the affected propeller hubs within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 12 
months after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first. This 
AD also requires repetitive ECIs of the affected propeller hubs within 
50-hour TIS intervals or within 12 months from the previous ECI, 
whichever occurs first. 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-2008-0254; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-06-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://www.regulations.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 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

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:

2008-13-28 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-15591. Docket No. 
FAA-2008-0254; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-06-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 17, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

[[Page 37793]]

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. left-hand 
rotating ( )HC-( )(2,3)Y(K,R)-2 two- and three-bladed, aluminum hub, 
``compact'' series propellers, with hubs having a non-suffix serial 
number (SN), and lubrication holes located on the shoulder of the 
hub blade socket. These propellers are installed on Lycoming Engines 
LIO-360 series and LO-360 series reciprocating engines, installed on 
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Seneca PA-34-200 and Seminole PA-44-180, and 
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model 76 Duchess, 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 four reports of propeller hub cracks, 
including two in-flight blade separation events. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub, which could result in 
blade separation and loss of control of the airplane.

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.

Initial Eddy Current Inspection (ECI)

    (g) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform an 
initial ECI of the area around the lubrication holes of the hub 
blade sockets.
    (h) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(3)(d) of Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-297, Revision 1, 
dated November 14, 2007, to do the initial ECI.
    (i) If any cracks are found, remove the propeller hub from 
service before further flight.
    (j) If no cracks are found, mark the propeller using paragraph 
3.A.(5)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Hartzell Propeller 
Inc., ASB No. HC-ASB-61-297, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2007, to 
indicate compliance with this ASB.

Repetitive ECIs

    (k) At repetitive intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS or 12 
months from the previous ECI, whichever occurs first, perform ECIs 
of the area around the lubrication holes of the hub blade sockets.
    (l) Use paragraphs 3.A. through 3.A.(3)(d) of Hartzell Propeller 
Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-297, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2007, to 
do the repetitive ECIs.
    (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, replace the non-suffix SN propeller hub with a 
propeller hub identified by an ``A'' or ``B'' suffix letter in the 
propeller hub SN.
    (o) Replacement propeller hub part numbers can be found in 
paragraph 2.A., Material Information, of Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB 
No. HC-SB-61-297, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2007.

Prohibition of Propeller Hub Reuse

    (p) After the effective date of this AD, propeller hubs that 
have a non-suffix SN, or an ``E'' suffix letter in the SN removed 
from affected propellers in this AD, are not eligible for 
installation on any engine in any aircraft.

Previous Credit

    (q) ECIs of the propeller hubs done before the effective date of 
this AD that use Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-SB-61-297, dated 
September 17, 2007, comply with the requirements specified in this 
AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (r) 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

    (s) Contact Tim Smyth, Senior Aerospace Engineer, Chicago 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 
East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (847) 294-8110; fax (847) 294-7132, 
for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (t) You must use Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin 
No. HC-ASB-61-297, Revision 1, dated November 14, 2007, to perform 
the ECIs 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 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, 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 June 19, 2008.
Diane Cook,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8-14312 Filed 7-1-08; 8:45 am]
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