Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc. Propeller Hub Models B5JFR36C1101, C5JFR36C1102, B5JFR36C1103, and C5JFR36C1104

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 162 (Thursday, August 21, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50462-50464]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-21519]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD; Amendment 39-13285; AD 2003-17-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc. 
Propeller Hub Models B5JFR36C1101, C5JFR36C1102, B5JFR36C1103, and 
C5JFR36C1104

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for McCauley Systems, Inc. propellers that are installed on, but 
not limited to, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Jetstream Model 4101 
airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time fluorescent penetrant 
inspection (FPI) of propeller blade retention areas for cracks. This AD 
requires initial and repetitive FPI or Ultrasonic Inspection (UT) of 
propeller blade retention areas for cracks, replacement of high time 
propeller blades, and a one-time inspection of propeller hubs. This AD 
is prompted by four reports of significant cracks found in propeller 
blade shanks since the issuance of AD 2003-15-01. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent propeller blade failure or hub failure due to cracking, 
which could result in failure of the propeller and loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 21, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of August 21, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 20, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
    [sbull] By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2003-NE-32-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
    [sbull] By fax: (781) 238-7055.
    [sbull] By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information referenced in this AD from 
McCauley Propeller Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377.
    You may examine the AD docket by appointment, at the FAA, New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA. You may examine the service information 
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 East Devon Avenue, Room 107, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone: 
(847) 294-7132; fax: (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On July 14, 2003, the FAA issued AD 2003-15-
01, Amendment 39-13243 (68 FR 42244, July 17, 2003). That AD applies to 
the following McCauley Systems, Inc. propeller assemblies that are 
installed on, but not limited to, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes:
    [sbull] Hub Model B5JFR36C1101, with Model 114GC series propeller 
blades.
    [sbull] Hub Model C5JFR36C1102, with Model L114GC series propeller 
blades.
    [sbull] Hub Model B5JFR36C1103, with Model 114HC series propeller 
blades.
    [sbull] Hub Model C5JFR36C1104, with Model L114HC series propeller 
blades.
    That AD requires a one-time FPI of propeller blade retention areas 
for cracks. That AD was prompted by a report of a significant crack in 
a propeller blade shank and two reports of cracks in the hubs of the 
same propeller model. That condition, if not corrected, could result in 
a failure of the propeller blade or hub and loss of control of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2003-15-01 Was Issued

    Since that AD was issued, four additional propeller blade cracks 
have been reported. Based on examination of these cracked propeller 
blades, a repetitive inspection interval has been established.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley 
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, 
that describes procedures for FPI or UT of propeller blades. We have 
also reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley ASB245A, 
Revision 1, dated August 13, 2003, that describes procedures for a one-
time eddy current inspection of propeller hubs.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    McCauley ASB246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, requires the 
operator to perform a blade shake check at 72-hour internals. This AD 
does not require the blade shake check. McCauley ASB245 A, Revision 1, 
dated August 13, 2003, requires initial and repetitive hub inspections. 
This AD does not require repetitive hub inspections, but does require a 
different compliance internal.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other McCauley Systems, Inc. propeller hub Models 
B5JFR36C1101, C5JFR36C1102, B5JFR36C1103, and C5JFR36C1104, of the same 
type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade failure 
or hub failure due to cracking, which could result in failure of the 
propeller and loss of control of the airplane. You must use the service 
information described previously to perform these actions.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate 
adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative 
methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously 
was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 
14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

[[Page 50463]]

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant data, 
views, arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it; we will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule 
that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us 
verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we 
will summarize the contact and place the summary on the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD 
in light of those comments.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You may get more information about plain 
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service 
information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the 
location.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have 
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 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 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have significant economic impact, positive or negative, 
on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-17-10 McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc.: Amendment 39-13285. 
Docket No. 2003-NE-32-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
21, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-15-01, Amendment 39-13243.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems, Inc. 
propeller hub models that are listed in Table 1 of this AD, and are 
installed on, but not limited to, BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 
Jetstream Model 4101 airplanes. Table 1 follows:

         Table 1.--Propeller Models by Hub Model and Blade Model
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             With propeller blade model
            Propeller hub model                       installed
------------------------------------------------------------------------
B5JFR36C1101..............................  114GC series.
C5JFR36C1102..............................  L114GC series.
B5JFR36C1103..............................  114HC series.
C5JFR36C1104..............................  L114HC series.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD is prompted by four reports of significant cracks 
found in propeller blade shanks since the issuance of AD 2003-15-01. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade failure or hub 
failure due to cracking, which could result in failure of the 
propeller and loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.

Initial Inspection of Propeller Blades

    (f) Inspect propeller blades for cracks in the retention area 
using either the fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) procedure 
specified in paragraphs 5.A. through 5.L. of McCauley Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) 246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, or using the 
ultrasonic inspection (UT) procedure specified in paragraphs 6.A. 
through 6.F. of McCauley ASB246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003. 
Use the compliance times specified in the following Table 2:

Table 2.--Compliance Times for the Initial FPI or UT of Propeller Blades
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 If the propeller blade time-
      since-new (TSN) is:             Or if:           Then inspect:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 10,000 hours TSN or more..  The blade was      Within 10 hours time-
                                 overhauled at      in-service (TIS)
                                 least twice.       after the effective
                                                    date of this AD.
(2) 6,000 hours TSN or more...  The blade was      Within 200 hours TIS
                                 overhauled at      after the effective
                                 least once.        date of this AD or
                                                    at 10,010 hours TIS
                                                    whichever is later.
(3) Fewer than 6,000 hours TSN  The blade has not  At the next overhaul.
                                 been overhauled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Credit for Previous Inspection

    (g) The one-time inspections done using AD 2003-15-01, published 
July 17, 2003, constitute compliance with the initial inspection 
requirements of this AD.

Repetitive Inspection of Propeller Blades

    (h) For blades that have 10,000 hours or more TSN or that have 
been overhauled at

[[Page 50464]]

least twice, inspect propeller blades for cracks in the retention 
area using either the FPI procedure specified in paragraphs 5.A. 
through 5.L. of McCauley ASB246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, 
or using the UT procedure specified in paragraphs 6.A. through 6.F. 
of McCauley ASB ASB246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, at the 
following intervals:
    (1) Inspect within 100 hours TIS after the initial inspection, 
or within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is later.
    (2) Thereafter, repetitively inspect within every 100 hours TIS, 
for a maximum of five repetitive inspections.
    (i) The repetitive inspection of paragraph (h) of this AD 
applies when the blade reaches 10,000 hours TIS.

Blade Replacement

    (j) Replace propeller blades as follows:
    (1) Remove from service blades with cracks.
    (2) For blades that pass all of the repetitive inspections in 
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, replace with blades that have never 
been overhauled, within 100 hours TIS after the fifth repetitive 
inspection.

Eddy Current Inspection (ECI) of Propeller Hubs

    (k) For propeller hubs that have been overhauled one or more 
times, perform a one-time ECI of the propeller hub, within 300 hours 
TIS after the effective date of this AD. Use the procedures 
specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley ASB245A, 
Revision 1, dated August 13, 2003.
    (l) Remove hubs with crack indications from service.

Reporting Requirements

    (m) Report findings of the FPI or UT using the procedures 
specified in paragraph 7. of McCauley ASB246C, Revision 3, dated 
August 12, 2003. Report the finding of the hub inspection using the 
procedures specified in paragraph 5.H.(5) of ASB245A, Revision 1, 
dated August 13, 2003. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the reporting requirements specified in paragraph 7. of 
McCauley ASB246C, Revision 3, dated August 12, 2003, and reporting 
requirements specified in paragraph 5.H.(5) of ASB245A, Revision 1, 
dated August 13, 2003, 2003, and assigned OMB control number 2120-
0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (n) You must request AMOCs as specified in 14 CFR 39.19. All 
AMOCs must be approved by the manager, Chicago Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Room 1007, Des 
Plaines, IL 60018.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the service information specified in Table 3 to 
perform the inspections required by this AD. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the 
documents listed in Table 3 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get a copy from McCauley Propeller 
Systems, 3535 McCauley Drive, Vandalia, OH 45377. You may review 
copies 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. Table 3 follows:

                                      Table 2.--Incorporation by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Service Bulletin No.                     Page             Revision                  Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McCauley, ASB245A....................  ALL......................          1   August 13, 2003.
    Total Pages: 12.
McCauley, ASB246C....................  ALL......................          3   August 12, 2003.
    Total Pages: 27.
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Related Information

    (p) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on August 18, 2003.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-21519 Filed 8-19-03; 2:45 pm]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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