[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43838-43839]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17479]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0056; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-48-AD
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 
The NPRM proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) that had applied 
to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 
series propellers. The NPRM had applied to those propellers using 
certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation auxiliary pumps and motors 
(auxiliary feathering pumps). The proposed action would have required 
removal of certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of auxiliary feathering pumps 
from service. Since we issued the NPRM, we attended a meeting sponsored 
by Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation, which provided additional 
information regarding the unsafe condition. The information included 
results from bond strength tests that predicts a significantly lower 
fleet risk than the prior qualitative analysis. Accordingly, we 
withdraw the proposed rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7761; fax: 781-238-7170; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed AD (78 FR 9001, February 7, 2013). The proposed AD had 
applied to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 
series propellers using certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
auxiliary feathering pumps. The NPRM proposed to require removing 
certain S/Ns of auxiliary feathering pumps from service. The proposed 
action was prompted by a report of a propeller not moving into the 
feathering position after an engine in-flight shutdown. The unsafe 
condition had applied to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 14SF-
7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 series propellers using certain Hamilton 
Sundstrand Corporation auxiliary pumps and motors (auxiliary feathering 
pumps). The proposed actions intended to prevent propellers from 
failing to move into the feathering position after an engine in-flight 
shutdown.
    Since we issued the NPRM (78 FR 9001, February 7, 2013), additional 
information became available after the public comment period closed on 
March 25, 2013.
    Upon further consideration, we hereby withdraw the proposed rule 
for the following reasons:
     Auxiliary feathering pump motors returned to Hamilton 
Sundstrand Corporation were tested to measure the bonding strength 
holding the magnets to the motor housing.
     The test results did not substantiate the initial 
qualitative risk assessment.
     The data gathered was then used for a more representative 
quantitative risk analysis.
     The results from the bond strength tests predicts a 
significantly lower fleet risk than the prior qualitative analysis.
    Withdrawal of the NPRM (78 FR 9001, February 7, 2013) constitutes 
only such

[[Page 43839]]

action, and does not preclude the agency from issuing another notice in 
the future, nor does it commit the agency to any course of action in 
the future.
    Since this action only withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking, 
it is neither a proposed nor a final rule. Therefore, Executive Order 
12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979) do not cover this 
withdrawal.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Withdrawal

    Accordingly, the notice of proposed rulemaking, Docket No. FAA-
2013-0056; Directorate Identifier 2012-NE-48-AD, published in the 
Federal Register on February 7, 2013 (78 FR 9001), is withdrawn.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 15, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17479 Filed 7-19-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P