Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Model 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 8, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48351-48353]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19665]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NE-17-AD; Amendment 39-11842; AD 2000-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Model 
4HFR34C653/L106FA-0

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to McCauley Propeller Systems 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0 model 
propellers that are installed on Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes. This 
action is also applicable to 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0 model propellers that 
are installed on Ayres S2R-G5 and S2R-G10 airplanes if the propeller 
was previously installed on Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes or if 
installation history of the propeller is unknown. This action requires 
one-time and repetitive eddy current inspections of the camber side of 
the blade surface. This amendment is prompted by a report of a crack on 
the camber side of the blade surface. The crack was found during a dye 
penetrant inspection as part of a normal overhaul process. The actions 
specified in this AD are intended to detect cracks that could cause 
failure of the propeller blade, which can result in loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 23, 2000. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of August 23, 2000.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 10, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NE-17-AD, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the 
docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
McCauley Propeller Systems, A Textron Company, 3535 McCauley Drive, 
Vandella, Ohio 45377. This information may be examined at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone 847-294-7132, fax 
847-294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In December, 1999, an FAA approved repair 
station found a crack in the camber side of a propeller blade during a 
dye penetrant inspection. The dye penetrant inspection was being done 
as part of an overhaul. This condition, if not corrected, could result 
in failure of the propeller blade, which can result in loss of control 
of the airplane.

Manufacturer's Service Documentation

    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 234, dated May 
1, 2000. That ASB describes procedures for eddy current and dye 
penetrant inspections of the camber side of the propeller blade, and 
procedures for the evaluation of suspect indications.

Actions Required by This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other McCauley Propeller Systems 4HFR34C653/L106FA-
0 model propellers of the same type design, this AD is being issued to 
detect cracks that could cause failure of the propeller blade, which 
can result in loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires one-
time and repetitive eddy current inspections or dye penetrant 
inspections of the camber side of any propeller blade that is installed 
on, or has at any time been installed on, Jetstream series 3200 
airplanes. The inspection requirements and the qualification 
requirements for the test technicians are based on the criticality of 
the potential failure condition. These same actions

[[Page 48352]]

are required to be done on propellers that are installed on Ayres S2R-
G5 and S2R-G10 airplanes, if the propeller was previously installed on 
Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes, or if the installation history of the 
propeller is unknown. The inspections must be done within 200 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD or within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and, thereafter, 
every 600 flight hours after the last inspection. The inspections must 
be accomplished in accordance with the ASB described previously.

Immediate Adoption of This AD

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in 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 2000-NE-17-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as 
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it 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. 
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to 
publication of this proposed rule.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


39.13  [Amended]

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

2000-15-10  McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-11842: Docket 
2000-NE-17-AD.
    Applicability: McCauley Propeller Systems 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0 
model propellers that are installed on Jetstream series 3200 
airplanes; and 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0 model propellers installed on 
Ayres S2R-G5 and S2R-G10 airplanes, if the propeller was previously 
installed on Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes, or if the installation 
history of the propeller is unknown.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (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 (d) 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.

    Compliance: Compliance with the requirements of this AD is 
required within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD 
or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs earlier, and, thereafter, every 600 flight hours after the 
last inspection.
    To prevent failure of the propeller blade, which can result in 
loss of control of the airplane, perform EITHER of the following 
inspections:

Eddy Current Inspection

    (a) Do initial and repetitive eddy current inspections of the 
camber side of the propeller blade in accordance with McCauley 
Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 234 as follows:
    (1) Inspect in accordance with Section I, Eddy Current 
Inspection, paragraph 1.a. through Section I, Part I, paragraph l.
    (2) Evaluate suspect indications in accordance with Section I, 
Part II, Evaluation of Suspect Indications, paragraph a. through 
paragraph g.

Dye Penetrant Inspection

    (b) Or, remove the propeller, and perform initial and repetitive 
dye penetrant inspections of the camber side of the propeller blade 
in accordance with ASB 234, Section II, Dye Penetrant Inspection, 
paragraph a. through paragraph f.

Personnel Requirements

    (c) Individuals performing inspections defined in paragraph (a) 
and paragraph (b) of this AD must have a specialized rating in the 
applicable inspection method. Personnel must be qualified and 
certified to the minimum recommended requirements of ``Level II'' as 
described in Aerospace Industries Standard --NAS 410 or the 
equivalent national or international standard.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 (CHIACO). Operators shall submit their requests through an 
appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add

[[Page 48353]]

comments and then send it to the Manager, CHIACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the CHIACO.

Special Flight Permits

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

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The inspection must be done in accordance with McCauley 
Alert Service Bulletin 234, dated May 1, 2000. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from McCauley Propeller Systems, A Textron Company, 3535 
McCauley Drive, Vandella, Ohio 45377. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

Effective Date of This AD

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 23, 2000.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 28, 2000.
David A. Downey,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19665 Filed 8-7-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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