Airworthiness directives: Hartzell Propeller, Inc.,

[Federal Register: September 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 181)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 50781-50783]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr20se99-20]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ()HC-()()Y()-() Series Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

[[Page 50782]]

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. ()HC-()()Y()-() series propellers, identified by hub serial numbers, that were returned to service by Brothers Aero Services Company, Inc. (BASCO). This proposal would require maintenance actions amounting to an overhaul of affected propellers. This proposal is prompted by reports of propellers returned to service by BASCO as overhauled that had numerous unsafe conditions after being returned to service by BASCO. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent propeller failure from the conditions present after being returned to service by BASCO, and possible airplane loss of control.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane- adcomment@faa.gov''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. Comments may be inspected at this location between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., Technical Publications Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778- 4200, fax (937) 778-4365.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294- 7031, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket Number 99-NE-21-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.

Discussion

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has examined the results of teardown inspections of six Hartzell Propeller Inc ()HC-()()Y()-() series propellers returned to service as overhauled by Brothers Aero Services Company, Inc. (BASCO) that contained numerous unsafe conditions. BASCO, formerly Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J, had their certificate revoked by Amended Order of Revocation, dated May 12, 1999. The investigation further revealed that an additional 71 specific propellers had been returned to service by BASCO from November 1996 through October 1998 that potentially have the same conditions present. In total, 77 specific propellers have been identified by hub serial number (S/N). The following unsafe conditions have been found with propellers returned to service by BASCO:

1. BASCO either introduced or failed to remove potential failure sites (nicks and scratches) in the shank area of the blades,

2. BASCO failed to perform a cold rolling operation on propeller blade shanks,

3. Scratches were found in the blade internal bearing bore radius,

4. Blades were found to be below minimum dimensions,

5. Alodine and paint were applied over corrosion on hubs and blades,

6. Low pitch blade angles were out of specification,

7. The blade surface, beneath the de-ice boots, was not painted nor treated with a chemical conversion coating (Alodine),

8. Bolts were incorrectly torqued,

9. Wrong parts were used or parts were incorrectly installed,

10. Parts intended for removal from service at overhaul and to be replaced with new, unused parts, were reused.

    These conditions, if not corrected, could result in propeller failure from the conditions present after being returned to serve by BASCO, and possible airplane loss of control.

    Proposed Actions

    Since unsafe conditions have been identified that are likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design, the proposed AD would require maintenance actions that amount to an overhaul of the affected propellers, identified by hub S/N. One of the required actions is a cold rolling operation on the blade shanks, which is part of the manufacturer's recommended overhaul. Not all propeller repair facilities have the equipment to properly perform this operation. Additionally, repair facilities must first be qualified by the manufacturer to perform the process and then repetitively requalify and recalibrate the machine used in the process.

    Economic Analysis

    The FAA estimates that 77 propellers installed on aircraft of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD and that it would cost on average approximately $1,300 to overhaul each propeller. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $100,100.

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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

    [[Page 50783]]

    FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

    The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

    PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive:

   Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Docket No. 99-NE-21-AD.

   Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )( )Y( )-( ) series propellers, identified by hub serial numbers (S/Ns) listed in Table 1 of this airworthiness directive (AD).

   Table 1.--Hub Serial Numbers

   121, 251, 715, 1111, 1387, 1661, 2383, 2479, 2883, 3059, 3343, 3479, 3717, 3890, 3990, 4690, and 5523 AM911 AN1309, AN2773, AN2826, AN2828, and AN3883 AU42, AU696, AU814, AU992, AU1226, AU1290, AU1416, AU2641, AU2643, AU2658, AU2699, AU2847, AU7186E, AU8364A, AU8418A and AU12997 BP344, BP715, BP1276, BP1772, BP2121, BP3811, BP3763, BP3978, BP5674, BP6126, BP6194, BP7141, BP7297, BP7513, BP8199, BP8708, and BP9586 CH6190 & CH19251 CJ52, CJ54, CJ419, and CJ649 DA1404 and DA1418 DG101 DJ4431, DJ4449, DJ9521A, DJ10407A, DJ11249A, DJ11880A, and DJ11881A DN3775 DV11 and DV12 FH307 P560

   Note 1: This AD applies to each propeller identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For propellers that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Note 2: This AD is limited to propellers returned to service from November 1996 to October 1998 by Brothers Aero Service Company, Inc. (BASCO), Air Agency Certificate Number B4TR903J, revoked by Amended Order of Revocation, dated May 12, 1999.

   Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

   To prevent propeller failure from the conditions present after being returned to service by BASCO, and possible airplane loss of control, accomplish the following:

   (a) Within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following:

   (1) Disassemble,

   (2) Clean,

   (3) Inspect for the following:

   (i) Nicks,

   (ii) Scratches,

   (iii) Failure of blades to meet minimum dimensions,

   (iv) Alodine and/or paint applied over corrosion,

   (v) Lack of chemical conversion coating applied beneath the de- ice boots,

   (vi) Bolts incorrectly torqued,

   (vii) Incorrect parts,

   (viii) Incorrect installation of parts, and

   (ix) Reinstallation of parts intended for one-time use.

   (4) Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary.

   (5) Perform a cold roll operation on the blade shanks,

   (6) Reassemble and test.

   Note 3: Information on performing an overhaul of the affected propellers may be found in the applicable Hartzell Propeller Inc. Overhaul Manual.

   Note 4: For a current list of propeller overhaul facilities approved to perform the blade shank cold rolling procedure contact Hartzell Product Support, telephone (937) 778-4379. Not all propeller repair facilities have the equipment to properly perform a cold roll of the blade shanks.

   (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. Operators shall submit their request through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

   Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

   (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 13, 1999. Jay J. Pardee, Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-24461Filed9-17-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-M