Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 13, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 40187-40189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-13740]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NE-53-AD; Amendment 39-14188; AD 2005-14-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley 
Propeller Systems, and Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. 
Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and Sensenich 
Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers. This AD requires 
maintenance actions amounting to an overhaul of the affected 
propellers. This AD results from the investigation of a failed 
propeller blade and subsequent inspections of various propeller models 
returned to service by Southern California Propeller Service, of 
Inglewood, CA. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure that 
could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 17, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket at the FAA, New England 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 
294-7132, fax (847) 294-7834 for Hartzell Propellers.
    Contact Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946-4148; fax 
(316) 946-4107 for McCauley Propellers.
    Contact James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 1600 
Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone (516) 228-
7321, fax (516) 794-5531 for Sensenich Propellers.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies 
to certain Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and 
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers returned to 
service by Southern California Propeller Service. We published the 
proposed AD in the Federal Register on May 20, 2004 (69 FR 29111). That 
action proposed to require maintenance actions that amount to an 
overhaul of Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and 
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. propellers returned to 
service by Southern California Propeller Service.

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.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Question of Why the FAA Is Changing the Rules

    One commenter asks ``Why change the rules just because one repair 
station, Southern California Propeller Service, of Inglewood, CA didn't 
follow the existing rules?'' The commenter feels that the existing 
rules have worked for well over 50 years, and asks how

[[Page 40188]]

making general aviation cost more is going to solve the problem. The 
commenter feels that the proposed AD is counterproductive because it 
will force people to go to ``cut-rate'' outfits like Southern 
California Propeller Service. We don't agree that we are ``changing the 
rules.'' We are issuing an AD to correct unsafe conditions introduced 
by Southern California Propeller Services. The Code of Federal 
Regulations, 14 CFR part 39 allows us to issue ADs to correct unsafe 
conditions. While the public will incur costs to comply with this 
action, the action will address the unsafe conditions found in other 
propellers.

Request To Add Hartzell HC and HA Series Propellers to the 
Applicability

    One commenter asks if we should add Hartzell HC series and HA 
series propellers to the Applicability of this AD. We don't agree that 
we need to add the Hartzell ``HC'' or ``HA'' series propellers at this 
time. We reviewed the repair station certificate and responses from the 
public, and found no evidence that Southern California Propeller 
Service worked on Hartzell five-bladed steel hub propellers. While we 
were developing Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) No. 
NE-01-09, we were advised to include a reference to Sensenich 
propellers (even though the repair station certificate doesn't denote 
them). However, if someone sends us information that documents work 
done by Southern California Propeller Service on propellers beyond 
those denoted in the AD, we will review the AD for an expanded 
applicability. We have not changed the propeller model numbering to 
maintain consistency with the NPRM and SAIB No. NE-01-09.

Request To Change the Wording in Paragraph ``2(e)'' of the AD

    The same commenter asks us to change the wording in paragraph 
``2(e)'' of the AD to read, ``For Hartzell and McCauley propellers 
listed in Table 1 of this AD, any letter, number, or any combination of 
letters or numbers (or lack of a letter or number) could appear where 
open parentheses are shown in the model number. Model numbers could 
show any combination of letters or numbers where the model number 
contains an open parentheses with a series of numbers or letters.'' We 
do not agree. The suggested change adds nothing, so we choose to not 
alter the wording.

Request To Change the Wording in Paragraphs ``2(f)'' and ``2(i)'' of 
the AD

    The same commenter asks us to change the wording in paragraph 
``2(f)'' of the AD from, ``For propeller models listed in Table 1'' to 
``For propeller models addressed in Table 1 of this AD.'' The commenter 
also asks us to change paragraph ``2(i)'' from ``Perform the actions 
specified in paragraph (j) of this AD on propeller models listed in 
Table 1 of this AD'' to ``Perform the actions specified in paragraph 
(j) of this AD on the propeller models addressed, regardless of serial 
number, in Table 1 of this AD.'' We partially agree. We will change 
``propellers listed in Table 1'' to ``propeller models listed in Table 
1'' throughout the regulatory text of the AD, specifically in 
paragraphs (e), (f), and (i), to maintain consistency.

Request To Ensure Compliance by Southern California Propeller Services 
With Previous ADs

    The same commenter asks us to add an action requirement to ensure 
that previous ADs signed off by Southern California Propeller Service 
are re-evaluated, reinspected, or repeated as appropriate. We do not 
agree. The required actions specified in this AD are equivalent to any 
AD applicable to the affected propellers.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that 1,000 propellers installed on aircraft of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD and that it will cost on average 
about $3,000 to overhaul each propeller. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $3,000,000.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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-53-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 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:

2005-14-11 Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley Propeller Systems, and 
Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc. Propellers: 
Amendment 39-14188. Docket No. 2003-NE-53-AD.

[[Page 40189]]

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
17, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Hartzell Propeller, Inc., McCauley 
Propeller Systems, and Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, 
Inc. propeller models last returned to service by Southern 
California Propeller Service of Inglewood, CA., listed in the 
following Table 1:

                  Table 1.--Applicable Propeller Models
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Hartzell Propeller, Inc.
 
( )HC-( )(2,3,4)Y( )-( ).
( )HC-( )(2,3,4)(X,V,MV,W,Z,P,R) (F,G,L,K,R,20,30,31)-( ).
( )HA-( )-( ).
HC-B(3,4)(M,P,R,T)(A,N,P)-( ).
HC-(D,E)(4,5)(A,B,N,P)-( ).
 
                       McCauley Propeller Systems
 
( )2( )( )3( )C( )( )( )-( ): All constant speed two-bladed propeller
 models.
( )3( )( )3( )C( )( )( )-( ): All constant speed three-bladed propeller
 models.
1( )( )( )( )/( ): All metal propeller models.
 
             Sensenich Propeller Manufacturing Company, Inc.
 
All metal propeller models.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) These actions are against propeller models returned to 
service by Southern California Propeller Service. Southern 
California Propeller Service is not to be confused with propeller 
repair stations known as California Propeller or as Propeller 
Service of California. Southern California Propeller Service was 
issued Air Agency Certificate number of VXSR617L in 1992, which was 
revoked in June of 1998.
    (e) For Hartzell and McCauley propeller models listed in Table 1 
of this AD, any letter or number (or lack of a letter or number) 
could appear where open parentheses are shown in the model number. 
Model numbers could show any combination of letters or numbers where 
the model number shows parentheses with a series of numbers or 
letters.
    (f) For propeller models listed in Table 1 of this AD, that have 
been overhauled since being returned to service by Southern 
California Propeller Service by an authorized repair station other 
than Southern California Propeller Service, no further action is 
required.

Unsafe Condition

    (g) This AD results from the investigation of a failed propeller 
blade and subsequent inspections of various propeller models 
returned to service by Southern California Propeller Service, of 
Inglewood, CA. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure that 
could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control 
of the airplane.

Compliance

    (h) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 10 hours time-in-service after the effective 
date of this AD.

Required Actions

    (i) Perform the actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD on 
propeller models listed in Table 1 of this AD. You can find 
information on performing the actions in the applicable propeller 
manufacturer's service documentation.
    (j) Perform the following actions:
    (1) Disassemble,
    (2) Clean,
    (3) Inspect for the following:
    (i) Cracks,
    (ii) Corrosion or pits,
    (iii) Nicks,
    (iv) Scratches,
    (v) Blade minimum dimensions,
    (vi) Unapproved localized heating of blade,
    (vii) Unapproved use of helicoil inserts in actuating pin holes,
    (viii) Improperly drilled actuating pin holes,
    (ix) Chemical conversion coat or paint or both applied over 
corrosion,
    (x) Lack of chemical conversion coating,
    (xi) Lack of paint on internal surfaces,
    (xii) Bolts incorrectly torqued,
    (xiii) Incorrect parts,
    (xiv) Incorrect installation of parts,
    (xv) Reinstallation of parts intended for one-time use, and
    (xvi) Lack of proper shot peening.
    (4) Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary,
    (5) Reassemble and test.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Special Flight Permits

    (l) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD by not allowing any flights with apparent cracks 
in propellers.

Related Information

    (m) Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin No. NE-01-19, 
dated March 20, 2001, pertains to the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on July 5, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-13740 Filed 7-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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