[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 36 (Thursday, February 25, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11473-11476]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03607]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 36 / Thursday, February 25, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 11473]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0032; Project Identifier AD-2020-01314-P]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2020-12-07, which applies to certain Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
(Hamilton Sundstrand) 54H model propellers. AD 2020-12-07 requires 
initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) of certain 
propeller blades and replacement of the propeller blades that fail the 
inspection. Since the FAA issued AD 2020-12-07, the manufacturer 
determined that all propeller blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 
54H model propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub are susceptible 
to intergranular corrosion cracking in the blade taper bore. This 
proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ECI of all propeller 
blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 propeller hubs and 
replacement of any propeller blade that fails inspection. The FAA is 
proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 12, 
2021.

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 https://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 NPRM, contact Hamilton 
Sundstrand, 1 Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1010; phone: (877) 
808-7575; email: [email protected]. You may view this service information 
at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0032; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, any comments 
received, and other information. The street address for Docket 
Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 
01803; phone: (781) 238-7761; fax: (781) 238-7199; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0032; Project Identifier 
AD-2020-01314-P'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
the proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to 
Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Any commentary that the FAA 
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in 
the public docket for this rulemaking.

Background

    The FAA issued AD 2020-12-07, Amendment 39-21142 (85 FR 36145, June 
15, 2020) (AD 2020-12-07) for certain Hamilton Sundstrand 54H model 
propellers. Note that AD 2020-12-07 and the Hamilton Sundstrand service 
information reference 54H60 model propellers whereas this AD references 
54H model propellers. Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 model propellers are 
54H model propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub.
    AD 2020-12-07 was prompted by a report of the separation of a 54H60 
model propeller blade installed on a United States Marine Corps Reserve 
(USMCR) KC-130T airplane during a flight in July 2017. The USMCR 
investigation of this event revealed the Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 
model propeller blade separated due to corrosion pitting and a 
resultant intergranular radial crack that was not corrected at the last 
propeller overhaul. From this intergranular crack, a fatigue

[[Page 11474]]

crack initiated and grew under service loading until the Hamilton 
Sundstrand 54H60 model propeller blade could no longer sustain the 
applied loads and ultimately the blade separated. The separation of the 
blade resulted in the loss of the airplane and 17 fatalities. The 
investigation further revealed that 54H60 model propeller blades 
manufactured before 1971 are susceptible to cracks of the propeller 
blade in the area of the internal taper bore. The applicability of AD 
2020-12-07 was therefore limited to those Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 
model propellers blades with a blade serial number (S/N) below 813320, 
which are those propeller blades manufactured before 1971. AD 2020-12-
07 required initial and repetitive ECI of the affected propeller blades 
and replacement of any propeller blade that fails inspection. The 
agency issued AD 2020-12-07 to detect cracking in the propeller blade 
taper bore.

Actions Since AD 2020-12-07 Was Issued

    Since the FAA issued AD 2020-12-07, the manufacturer determined 
that all propeller blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H model 
propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub are susceptible to 
intergranular corrosion cracking in the blade taper bore. As a result, 
the manufacturer published Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 
(ASB) 54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2020, to expand the 
effectivity of the ASB to include all propeller blades installed on a 
propeller that contains a blade S/N below 813320, and all propeller 
blades installed on a propeller that has not been overhauled within ten 
years. Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, dated May 29, 
2020, also provides instructions for concurrent compliance with 
Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A155, dated May 29, 2020, to ECI an 
expanded and deeper taper bore area.

FAA's Determination

    The FAA is issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, 
dated May 29, 2020. This ASB identifies the affected propeller models 
and specifies procedures for performing an ECI of the propeller blade 
taper bore. The FAA also reviewed Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-
A155, dated May 29, 2020. This ASB also identifies affected propeller 
models and specifies procedures for performing an expanded ECI of the 
propeller blade taper bore. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
ADDRESSES.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2020-12-
07. This proposed AD would require initial and repetitive ECI of all 
propeller blades installed on Hamilton Sundstrand 54H60 propeller hubs 
and replacement of any propeller blade that fails inspection.

Interim Action

    The FAA considers that this proposed AD would be an interim action. 
This unsafe condition is still under investigation by the manufacturer 
and, depending on the results of that investigation, the FAA may 
consider further rulemaking action.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 212 propellers installed on 53 aircraft of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ECI all propeller blades installed on   16 work-hours x $85 per             $700          $2,060        $436,720
 propeller.                              hour = $1,360.
Report results of ECI.................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          18,020
                                         hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacement that would be required based on the results of the proposed 
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace propeller blade.......................  1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85         $63,500         $63,585
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public 
reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be 
approximately 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing 
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and 
maintaining the data needed, completing and reviewing the collection of 
information. All responses to this collection of information are 
mandatory. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other 
aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for 
reducing this burden to: Information Collection Clearance Officer, 
Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 
76177-1524.

[[Page 11475]]

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.
    The FAA is 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

    The FAA 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 that the proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would 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

    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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2020-12-07, Amendment 39-21142 (85 
FR 36145, June 15, 2020); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation: Docket No. FAA-2021-0032; Project 
Identifier AD-2020-01314-P.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) action by April 12, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2020-12-07, Amendment 39-21142 (85 FR 36145, 
June 15, 2020).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton 
Sundstrand) 54H model propellers with a propeller hub, model 54H60, 
installed.
    Note to paragraph (c): Hamilton Sundstrand references propeller 
model 54H60 in Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 
54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2020. These are model 54H 
propellers with a 54H60 model propeller hub.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6111, Propeller 
Blade Section.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the separation of a propeller blade that 
resulted in the loss of an airplane and 17 fatalities. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to detect cracking in the propeller blade taper 
bore. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
failure of the propeller blade, blade separation, and loss of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For propellers with an installed propeller blade having a 
blade serial number (S/N) below 813320, that has not been overhauled 
within the past sixty (60) months, within one year or 500 flight 
hours (FHs) after July 20, 2020 (the effective date of AD 2020-12-
07), whichever occurs first, perform an eddy current inspection 
(ECI) of all blades installed on the propeller.
    (2) For propellers with an installed propeller blade having a 
blade S/N below 813320, that has been overhauled within the past 
sixty (60) months, within two years or 1,000 FHs after July 20, 2020 
(the effective date of AD 2020-12-07), whichever occurs first, 
perform an ECI of all blades installed on the propeller.
    (3) For propellers with an installed propeller blade, blade S/N 
813320 and above, that has not been overhauled within ten years 
since new or since last overhaul, within one year or 500 FHs after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform an 
ECI of all blades installed on the propeller.
    (4) Perform the ECI of the propeller blades required by 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this AD in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(5), of both Hamilton 
Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2020, and of 
Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A155, dated May 29, 2020.
    (5) For all propellers identified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(3) of this AD, repeat the inspection required by paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (4) of this AD at intervals not exceeding 3 years or 1,500 
FHs, whichever comes first, from the previous inspection.
    (6) If a propeller blade fails any inspection required by this 
AD, based on the criteria in Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 
3.C.(5)(g) of Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A154, Revision 1, 
dated May 29, 2020, and paragraph 3.C.(5)(j) of Hamilton Sundstrand 
ASB 54H60-61-A155, dated May 29, 2020, remove the blade from service 
before further flight and replace with a blade eligible for 
installation.
    (7) Report the results of the ECI required by paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (5) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.C.(6), of Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-
61-A154, Revision 1, dated May 29, 2020.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    (1) After the effective date of this AD, do not install onto any 
propeller a Hamilton Sundstrand propeller blade identified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) of this AD, unless the blade has first 
passed the initial inspection required by paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(4) of this AD.
    (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any 
propeller assembly with a propeller blade identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (4) of this AD onto any aircraft unless the propeller 
blades have passed the initial inspection required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) through (4) of this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the initial ECI of a propeller blade 
required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD and the replacement 
of a propeller blade required by paragraph (g)(6) of this AD if the 
actions were completed before the effective date of this AD using 
Hamilton Sundstrand ASB 54H60-61-A154, dated August 26, 2019.

(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in Related Information.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

[[Page 11476]]

(k) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael Schwetz, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District 
Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7761; fax: (781) 238-
7199; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Hamilton Sundstrand, 1 Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1010; 
phone: (877) 808-7575; email: [email protected]. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759.

    Issued on February 8, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-03607 Filed 2-24-21; 8:45 am]
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