Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) Series and HA-A2V20-1B Series Propellers with Aluminum Blades

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 123 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37960-37963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15991]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-ANE-40-AD; Amendment 39-13212; AD 97-18-02R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( 
)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) Series and HA-A2V20-1B Series Propellers with 
Aluminum Blades

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( 
)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series and HA-A2V20-1B series propellers with 
aluminum blades. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive dye 
penetrant and eddy current inspections of the blade and an optical 
comparator inspection of the blade retention area, and, if necessary, 
replacement with serviceable parts. In addition, that AD currently 
requires initial and repetitive visual and magnetic particle inspection 
of the blade clamp, dye penetrant inspection of the blade internal 
bearing bore, and, if necessary, replacement with serviceable parts. 
Also, for all HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) steel hub propellers, that 
AD currently requires an additional initial and repetitive visual and 
magnetic particle inspection of the hub, and, if necessary, replacement 
with serviceable parts. This amendment revises that AD by permitting 
the replacement of affected propellers with Hartzell Propeller Inc. 
model ``MV'' series propellers as an optional terminating action for 
the initial and repetitive inspections of that AD. This amendment is 
prompted by type certification approval of the Hartzell ``MV'' series 
propellers that are direct replacements for the affected propellers, 
and service bulletin approval to allow modification of affected 
propellers to the ``MV'' type design configuration. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent blade separation due to 
cracked blades, hubs, or blade clamps, which can result in loss of 
control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective July 31, 2003. The incorporation by reference of 
certain publications listed in the regulations was approved previously 
by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 11, 1997 (62 FR 
45309).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 
45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 
778-4321. This information may be examined, by appointment, at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (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: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031; 
fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 97-18-02, 
Amendment 39-10112 (62 FR 45309, August 27, 1997), which is applicable 
to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series and HA-
A2V20-1B series propellers with aluminum blades was published in the 
Federal Register on January 2, 2003 (68 FR 71). That action proposed to 
revise AD 97-18-02 by introducing as an optional terminating action for 
the initial and repetitive inspections of that AD, replacement of 
affected propellers with Hartzell Propeller Inc. model ``MV'' series 
propellers.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA 
has determined that air safety and the public interest require the 
adoption of the rule as proposed.

Regulatory Analysis

    This final 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 final rule.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10112 (62 FR 
45309, August 27, 1997) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-XXXXX, to read as follows:


[[Page 37961]]


97-18-02R1 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-13212. Docket No. 
96-ANE-40-AD. Revises AD 97-18-02, Amendment 39-10112

    Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable 
to Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) series and HA-
A2V20-1B series propellers with aluminum blades. These propellers 
are installed on but not limited to the aircraft listed in the 
following Table 1:

                                           Table 1.-Affected Aircraft
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      Manufacturer                                            Aircraft model
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aero Commander (Twin Commander)........................  500; 500A; 500B, 500S, and 500U; 520; 560; 560A, 560E;
                                                          680, 680E, 720; 680F, 680FP, 680FL, 680FLR; B1
                                                          (CALLAIR).
Aeromere...............................................  FALCO F.8.L.
Aeronautica Macchi.....................................  AL60-F5; AM-3.
Bauger.................................................  SAIL PLANE.
Beech..................................................  35 SERIES BONANZA; 35-C33 DEBONAIR; 35-C33A, E33A,
                                                          F33A; 50 SERIES TWIN BONANZA; 58P, 58TC BARON; 95-55,
                                                          95-A55, 95-B55 BARON; 65, A65, 65-(B)80, 65-A80, A65-
                                                          8200, 70.
Bellanca...............................................  14-13; 14-19; 14-19-2; 14-19-3; 7GCA, 7GCB, 7GCC; DW-1
                                                          EAGLE.
Camair.................................................  480.
Cessna.................................................  170; 170A; 172 SKYHAWK; 175; 180, A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
                                                          H; 182, A, B, C, D, E, G, H, J, K, L, M; 210, A, B, C,
                                                          5, 5A; 310, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, E310H; 320, 320-1
                                                          SKYKNIGHT; 320A, 320B; 402 BUSINESSLINER; 411; WREN
                                                          460; WREN 460H, J, K, L, M.
deHavilland............................................  DH104 DOVE; DH114 HERON.
Dornier................................................  DO27Q-6; DO28A-1; DO28B-1.
Fuji...................................................  T-3, LM-2.
GAF--Gov't. Aircraft Factories.........................  N22B, N24A, N22S, N22C.
Goodyear...............................................  (Loral); GA22A GOODYEAR BLIMP; GZ19, 19A GOODYEAR
                                                          BLIMP.
Great Lakes............................................  2T-1A-2.
Grumman................................................  G44, G44A WIDGEON; G21C, D GOOSE.
Helio..................................................  H-391 COURIER; H-391B COURIER; H-395A COURIER.
Luscombe...............................................  11; 11A.
Mooney.................................................  M20.
Multitech (Temco)......................................  D16 TWIN NAVION; D16A TWIN NAVION.
Nardi..................................................  FN-333.
Navion.................................................  NAVION B; NAVION, NAVION A.
Pacific Aerospace (Fletcher)...........................  FU-24, FU-24A.
Piaggio................................................  P-149D; P136-L1 ROYAL GULL; P136-L2 ROYAL GULL; P149D;
                                                          P166 ROYAL GULL.
Pilatus................................................  PC-3; PC-6; PC-6-H1, -H2 PORTER.
Piper..................................................  PA-E23-250 AZTEC; PA14 FAMILY CRUISER; PA18(A)(S)-150
                                                          SUPER CUB; PA18A-150 SUPER CUB; PA22-150, PA22S-150
                                                          TRIPACER; PA23 SERIES APACHE; PA23-160 APACHE; PA23-
                                                          235 AZTEC; PA23-250 AZTEC; PA24-250 COMANCHE; PA24-400
                                                          COMANCHE; PA24S COMANCHE; PA28 CHEROKEE; PA28-140
                                                          CHEROKEE.
Prop Jets Inc..........................................  200; 200A,B,C.
Republic (STOL Amphibian)..............................  RC3 SEABEE.
Scottish Aviation (BAE)................................  B.206 SERIES 2 BEAGLE.
Stinson................................................  L-5; 108, -1, -2, -3; 108-2-3.
Sud Aviation (SOCATA)..................................  GY.80-150 GARDAN; GY.80-160 GARDAN HORIZON.
Swift..................................................  GC-1B.
Taylorcraft............................................  20.
Texas Bullet...........................................  205.
Windecker..............................................  EAGLE.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: The above is not a complete list of aircraft which may 
contain the affected Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )(2,3)(X,V)( )-
( ) series and HA-A2V20-1B series propellers with aluminum blades 
because of installation approvals made by, for example, Supplemental 
Type Certificate or field approval under FAA Form 337 ``Major Repair 
and Alteration.'' It is the responsibility of the owner, operator, 
and person returning the aircraft to service to determine if an 
aircraft has an affected propeller.


    Note 2: The parentheses that appear in the propeller models 
indicate the presence or absence of additional letter(s) which vary 
the basic propeller hub model designation. This airworthiness 
directive is applicable regardless of whether these letters are 
present or absent on the propeller hub model designation.


    Note 3: 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 (h) 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 this AD is required as indicated, 
unless already done.
    To prevent blade separation due to cracked blades, hubs, or 
blade clamps, which can result in loss of control of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:

Hartzell Propeller Models With Hub Models ( )HC-(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-
( )

    (a) On Hartzell propeller models with hub models ( )HC-
(1,4,5,8)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ) perform initial and repetitive 
inspections and, if necessary, replace with serviceable parts in 
accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (SB) No. 
HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997, as follows:
    (1) Initially perform a fluorescent dye penetrant and eddy 
current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator inspection of 
the blade retention area, a dye penetrant inspection of the blade 
internal bearing bore, and a visual and magnetic particle inspection 
of the blade clamp and of the hub. The initial inspection is 
required within the following:
    (i) 1,000 hours time-since-new (TSN) for propellers with less 
than 900 hours TSN on September 11, 1997, provided that the initial 
inspections are performed within 60 calendar months TSN or 24 
calendar months after

[[Page 37962]]

September 11, 1997, whichever calendar time occurs later, or
    (ii) 100 hours time in service (TIS) for propellers with 900 or 
more hours TSN, or unknown TSN, on September 11, 1997, provided that 
the initial inspections are performed within 24 calendar months 
after September 11, 1997.
    (2) Thereafter, perform repetitive fluorescent dye penetrant and 
eddy current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator 
inspection of the blade retention area, and a visual and magnetic 
particle inspection of the blade clamp. The repetitive inspection is 
required at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS or 60 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, since last inspection.
    (3) Thereafter, perform a repetitive visual and magnetic 
particle inspection of the hub. This repetitive hub inspection is 
required at intervals not to exceed 250 hours TIS or 60 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, since last inspection.
    (4) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections of 
the blade internal bearing bore. This repetitive blade internal 
bearing bore inspection is required at intervals not to exceed 60 
calendar months since last inspection.

Hartzell Propeller Models With Hub Models ( )HC-(A,D)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ), 
and HA-A2V20-1B, Except HC-A3VF-7( )

    (b) On Hartzell propeller models With hub models ( )HC-
(A,D)(2,3)(X,V)( )-( ), and HA-A2V20-1B, except HC-A3VF-7( ), 
perform initial and repetitive inspections and, if necessary, 
replace with serviceable parts in accordance with Hartzell SB No. 
HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997, as follows:
    (1) Initially perform a fluorescent dye penetrant and eddy 
current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator inspection of 
the blade retention area, a visual and magnetic particle inspection 
of the blade clamp, and a dye penetrant inspection of the blade 
internal bearing bore. The initial inspection is required within the 
following:
    (i) 1,000 hours TSN for propellers with less than 800 hours TSN 
on September 11, 1997, provided that the initial inspections are 
performed within 60 calendar months TSN or 24 calendar months after 
September 11, 1997, whichever calendar time occurs later; or
    (ii) 200 hours TIS for propellers with 800 or more hours TSN, or 
unknown TSN, on September 11, 1997, provided that the initial 
inspections are performed within 24 calendar months after September 
11, 1997.
    (2) Thereafter, perform repetitive fluorescent dye penetrant and 
eddy current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator 
inspection of the blade retention area, and a visual and magnetic 
particle inspection of the blade clamp. The repetitive inspection is 
required at intervals not to exceed 500 hours TIS or 60 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, since last inspection.
    (3) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections of 
the blade internal bearing bore. This repetitive blade internal 
bearing bore inspection is required at intervals not to exceed 60 
calendar months since last inspection.

Hartzell Propeller Models with Hub Models HC-A3VF-7( )

    (c) On Hartzell propeller models with hub models HC-A3VF-7( ), 
perform initial and repetitive inspections and, if necessary, 
replace with serviceable parts in accordance with Hartzell SB No. 
HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997, as follows:
    (1) Initially perform a fluorescent dye penetrant and eddy 
current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator inspection of 
the blade retention area, a visual and magnetic particle inspection 
of the blade clamp, and a dye penetrant inspection of the blade 
internal bearing bore. The initial inspection is required within the 
following:
    (i) 3,000 hours TSN for propellers that have never been 
overhauled and have less than 2,500 hours TSN on September 11, 1997, 
provided that the initial inspections are performed within 60 
calendar months TSN or 24 calendar months after September 11, 1997, 
whichever calendar time occurs later, or
    (ii) 3,000 hours TIS since last overhaul for propellers that 
have been overhauled but have less than 2,500 hours TIS since last 
overhaul on September 11, 1997, provided that the initial 
inspections are performed within 60 calendar months TIS since last 
overhaul or 24 calendar months after September 11, 1997, whichever 
calendar time occurs later, or
    (iii) 500 hours TIS, for propellers that have never been 
overhauled and have 2,500 or more hours TSN on September 11, 1997, 
or propellers which have been overhauled and have 2,500 or more 
hours TIS since last overhaul on September 11, 1997, or propellers 
with unknown TSN, provided that the initial inspections were 
performed within 24 calendar months after September 11, 1997.
    (2) Thereafter, perform repetitive fluorescent dye penetrant and 
eddy current inspection of the blade, an optical comparator 
inspection of the blade retention area, and a visual and magnetic 
particle inspection of the blade clamp. The repetitive inspection is 
required at intervals not to exceed 3,000 hours TIS or 60 calendar 
months, whichever occurs first, since last inspection.
    (3) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections of 
the blade internal bearing bore. This repetitive blade internal 
bearing bore inspection is required at intervals not to exceed 60 
calendar months since last inspection.
    (d) The initial inspection of the internal blade bearing bore 
required by paragraph (a)(1), (b)(1), or (c)(1) of this AD need not 
be done again if previously done in accordance with page 4 of 
Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997.
    (e) If not previously done, shot peen the propeller blade shank 
area during the initial inspection required by paragraph (a)(1), 
(b)(1), or (c)(1) of this AD, as appropriate, and perform the shot 
peening in accordance with Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, 
dated July 11, 1997. Re-shot peening of the propeller blade shank 
area during the initial or repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (a)(1), (b)(1), or (c)(1) or (a)(2), (b)(2), or (c)(2) of 
this AD, as appropriate, is required only if the propeller blade 
shank area has been repaired or has excessive wear or damage in 
accordance with Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-217, Revision 1, dated July 
11, 1997.

Reporting Requirements

    (f) Report inspection results to the Manager, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East 
Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018, within 15 working days of the 
inspection. Reporting requirements have been approved by the Office 
of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.

Optional Terminating Action

    (g) Replacement of affected propellers with, or modification to 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. model ``MV'' series propellers constitutes 
terminating action for the initial and repetitive inspections 
specified in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this AD. The Hartzell 
``MV'' series of propellers were certified as Hartzell propeller 
models ( )HC-( )(2,3)MV( )-( ) and HA-A2MV20-1. Information on 
modifying the propellers may be found in Hartzell SB No.'s HC-SB-61-
232, dated March 20, 1998, and HC-SB-61-233, dated April 17, 1998.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) 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. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office. Compliance with 
Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-217, Revision 2, dated October 7, 1999, is 
an alternative method of compliance to Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-217, 
Revision 1.

    Note 4: 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (i) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Sec. Sec.  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 done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (j) The inspections and replacements with serviceable parts must 
be done in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-
217, Revision 1, dated July 11, 1997. 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 as of September 
11, 1997 (62 FR 45309). Copies may be obtained from Hartzell 
Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: 
Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. 
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

[[Page 37963]]

Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

Effective Date

    (k) This amendment becomes effective on July 31, 2003.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 19, 2003.
Robert G. Mann,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-15991 Filed 6-25-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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