[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18255-18257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06843]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0130; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propeller models HC-(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-7, HC-
(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-8 and HC-(1, D)3(X, V, MV)20-8. This proposed AD 
was prompted by failures of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm 
and resulting engine oil leak. This proposed AD would require 
replacement of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm 
rupture, loss of engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the 
airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 28, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., 1 Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; phone: 
937-778-4200; email: [email protected]. You may view this 
service information at the FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Grace, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Propulsion Branch, 2300 E. 
Devon Avenue, Des Planes, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7377; fax: 847-294-
7834; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0130; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-07-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We received a report of Hartzell propeller failures of the variable 
pitch

[[Page 18256]]

propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, part number (P/N) B-119-2, 
without tab, resulting in engine oil leakage. The variable pitch 
propeller control mechanism uses engine oil as a hydraulic fluid. 
Failure of this bladder diaphragm results in engine oil loss with oil 
covering the airplane windshield and may lead to uncommanded loss of 
engine power. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Hartzell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) HC-ASB-61-338, 
Revision 1, dated December 18, 2012. The ASB lists the propeller hub 
models that are affected and describes procedures for replacement of 
propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm with a new propeller hydraulic 
bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, with tab.
    Hartzell Propeller has redesigned bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, 
to include a tab containing the bladder diaphragm batch/lot number. The 
tab with batch/lot number is visible after installation. The old design 
bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2 has no such tab.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require removing the old propeller hydraulic 
bladder diaphragm and replacing it with the redesigned part.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information

    Hartzell ASB HC-ASB-61-338, Revision 1, dated December 18, 2012, 
recommends replacement of all affected bladder diaphragms within 10 
flight hours. This proposed AD would require replacement of affected 
bladder diaphragms within 12 months of the effective date of the AD. 
FAA risk analysis determined the 12 month period for compliance is 
acceptable.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 400 propellers 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 4 hours per propeller to replace the bladder diaphragm. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We estimate parts costs at $53 per 
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD 
on U.S. operators to be $157,200. Our cost estimate is exclusive of 
possible warranty coverage.

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 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 this 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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA proposes to amend 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 (AD):

Hartzell Propeller, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0130; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-NE07-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 28, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propeller models HC-
(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-7, HC-(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-8 and HC-(1, D)3(X, V, 
MV)20-8 with a propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, part number 
(P/N) B-119-2, without tab, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by failures of the propeller hydraulic 
bladder diaphragm and resulting engine oil leak. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm rupture, loss of 
engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the airplane.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(f) Bladder Diaphragm Replacement

    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
from service the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, 
without tab.
    (2) Install a redesigned propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, 
P/N B-119-2, with tab. The bladder diaphragm, eligible for 
installation, is identified by a tab with a batch/lot number. The 
tab is visible after installation and confirms the installation of 
the proper redesigned propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-
119-2, with tab, in the Hartzell propeller assembly.

(g) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install into any 
engine any hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, that is without 
tab.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Mark Grace, 
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300 
E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018;

[[Page 18257]]

phone: 847-294-7377; fax: 847-294-7384; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Hartzell Propeller Inc., 1 Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634; 
phone: 937-778-4379; fax: 937-778-4391; email: 
[email protected]. You may view this service information 
at the FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 19, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-06843 Filed 3-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P