Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-A6A-3 Series Propellers.

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 209 (Wednesday, October 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61607-61608]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-27102]



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Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 209 / Wednesday, October 29, 2003 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 61607]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-47-AD; Amendment 39-13352; AD 2003-22-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-A6A-3 
Series Propellers.

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-A6A-3 series propellers with A10460 
series composite blades. This AD requires initial and repetitive visual 
inspections of A10460 series composite blades for cracks. This AD is 
prompted by reports of cracks in propeller blades, including an in-
flight separation of a blade that caused damage to the airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller blade due to 
possible fatigue failure, which could result in damage to the airplane 
and possible loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 13, 2003.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD:
    [sbull] By mail: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 2003-NE-47-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 
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One 
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 
778-4391.
    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, by appointment, 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: 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: On July 31, 2003, a model A10460 series 
composite propeller blade separated from a model HC-A6A-3 series 
propeller while in flight and damaged the airplane. The model HC-A6A-3 
series propeller was installed on the right-hand engine on a Short 
Brothers Ltd. SD3-60 Variant 200 airplane, commonly referred to as a 
Series 300 airplane. The manufacturer of the propeller issued an alert 
service bulletin (ASB) on September 10, 2003 to require initial and 
repetitive visual inspections of the composite blades for cracks. On 
September 12, the manufacturer reported that another cracked blade was 
found on an airplane when the propellers were inspected using the ASB. 
Because the manufacturer and the FAA are continuing their 
investigations into the causes of the cracks, there is no terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell 
Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-265, dated September 10, 2003, that 
describes procedures for visually inspecting the composite propeller 
blade on-wing and at overhaul.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propellers of the same type 
design. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller 
blade due to possible fatigue failure, which could result in damage to 
the airplane and possible loss of control of the airplane. This AD 
requires:
    [sbull] An initial visual inspection of the propeller blades for 
cracks within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, but 
no later than 30 days after the effective date of this AD; and
    [sbull] Repetitive visual inspections of the propeller blades for 
cracks at intervals of 300 flight hours and at every overhaul, and
    [sbull] Replacing any cracked blade before further flight.

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.

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, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your

[[Page 61608]]

comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 
2003-NE-47-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 in 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 can 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 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 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 a 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-47-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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:

2003-22-05 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-13352. Docket No. 
2003-NE-47-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 
13, 2003.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-A6A-3 
series propellers with A10460 series composite blades installed. 
These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, Short 
Brothers Ltd. SD3-60 Series airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in propeller 
blades, including an in-flight separation of a blade that caused 
damage to the airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation 
of the propeller blade due to possible fatigue failure, which could 
result in damage to the airplane and possible 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 On-wing Visual Inspection

    (f) Perform an initial on-wing visual inspection of the A10460 
series composite propeller blades for cracks within 100 flight hours 
(FH) after the effective date of this AD, but do not exceed 30 days 
after the effective date of this AD. You can find information on 
inspecting for cracks in Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-265.
    (g) If you find a crack, replace the blade before further 
flight.

Repetitive Inspections

    (h) Thereafter, perform a visual inspection of the A10460 series 
composite propeller blades for cracks within intervals of 300 FH 
since-last-inspection. You can find information on inspecting for 
cracks in Hartzell Propellers Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-265.
    (i) If you find a crack, replace the blade before further 
flight.
    (j) At each propeller overhaul, inspect the A10460 series 
composite propeller blades for cracks. You can find information on 
inspecting for cracks in Hartzell Propellers Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-
265.
    (k) If you find a crack, replace the blade.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (l) The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) None.

Related Information

    (n) Hartzell Propellers Inc. Alert Service Bulletin No. HC-ASB-
61-265 contains information on inspecting the propeller blades for 
cracks.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on October 22, 2003.
Peter A. White,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-27102 Filed 10-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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