Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 Propeller Assemblies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 197 (Thursday, October 13, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59647-59651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20170]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NE-50-AD; Amendment 39-14306; AD 2005-20-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-
82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 Propeller 
Assemblies

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 Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-
82-F/13 propeller assemblies. That AD currently requires initial and 
repetitive ultrasonic inspections of propeller hubs, part number (P/N) 
660709201. This AD requires the same initial and repetitive ultrasonic 
inspections, but reduces the initial and repetitive compliance times 
for Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies when used on 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) 212 airplanes. This AD results 
from a report of a hub separation on a CASA 212 airplane. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub failure due to cracks in the 
hub, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective October 28, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of October 28, 2005. The Director of the Federal 
Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of certain 
publications as listed in the regulations as of July 27, 2004 (69 FR 
34560, June 22, 2004).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by December 12, 2005.

ADDRESSES:
    Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD:
    <bullet> By mail: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New 
England

[[Page 59648]]

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 
2001-NE-50-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-
5299.
    <bullet> By fax: (781) 238-7055.
    <bullet> By e-mail: [email protected].
    You can get the service information referenced in this AD from 
Dowty Aerospace Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, 
Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 
716001.
    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: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone 
(781) 238-7116; fax (781) 238-7155.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: June 10, 2004, the FAA issued AD 2004-13-01, 
Amendment 39-13681 (69 FR 34560, June 22, 2004). That AD requires 
initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections of propeller hubs, P/N 
660709201, installed on airplanes, and for hubs and propellers in 
storage, initial ultrasonic inspection of propeller hubs before placing 
in service. That AD was the result of the manufacturer's reevaluation 
of potential hub failure on Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-
82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies. That condition, if 
not corrected, could result in propeller hub failure due to cracks in 
the hub, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2004-13-01 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2004-13-01, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), 
which is the airworthiness authority for the United Kingdom (U.K.), 
recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition might exist on Dowty 
Aerospace Propellers Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies installed 
on CASA 212 airplanes. The CAA advises that they have received a report 
of a hub separation of a Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assembly 
installed on a CASA 212 airplane. This AD requires the same initial and 
repetitive inspections as specified in AD 2004-13-01, but reduces the 
compliance intervals for the initial and repetitive inspections on Type 
R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies installed on CASA 212 airplanes. We 
intend the actions specified in this AD to prevent propeller hub 
failure due to cracks in the hub, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Dowty 
Aerospace Propellers Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 61-
1119, Revision 4, dated September 14, 2005, that specifies initial and 
repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the rear wall of the rear half of 
the propeller hub for cracks on Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller 
assemblies. The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued CAA UK AD No. G-2005-0027, dated September 8, 2005, to assure 
the airworthiness of these Dowty Aerospace Propellers in the U.K.

Differences Between This AD and the Manufacturer's Service Information

    Although Appendix A of Alert MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 4, dated 
September 14, 2005, requires reporting the inspection data to Dowty 
Aerospace Propellers, this AD requires that you report the data to the 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office of the FAA. Also, the 
Accomplishment Instructions 3.A.(1) of Alert MSB No. 61-1119, Revision 
4, dated September 14, 2005, allows you to use Appendix A or Appendix D 
of that MSB, this AD requires that you use Appendix A of that MSB.

Bilateral Airworthiness Agreement

    This propeller model is manufactured in the U.K. and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Under this bilateral 
airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the findings of the CAA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-
82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller assemblies of the 
same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub 
failure due to cracks in the hub, which could result in loss of control 
of the airplane. This AD requires:
    <bullet> Within 10 flight hours (FH) time-in-service (TIS) or 20 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier, 
performing an initial ultrasonic inspection of the rear halves of 
propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed in Type R334/4-82-F/13 
propeller assemblies, and;
    <bullet> Within 50 FH TIS or 60 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs earlier, performing an initial ultrasonic 
inspection of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are 
installed in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, and R333/4-82-F/12 
propeller assemblies, and;
    <bullet> Within 300 FH time-since-last-inspection (TSLI) performing 
a repetitive ultrasonic inspection of the rear halves of propeller hubs 
P/N 660709201, that are installed in Type R334/4-82-F/13 propeller 
assemblies, and;
    <bullet> Within 1,000 FH TSLI performing a repetitive ultrasonic 
inspection of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are 
installed in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, and R333/4-82-F/12 
propeller assemblies, and;
    <bullet> If not already done, performing an ultrasonic inspection 
of the rear halves of propeller hubs P/N 660709201, that are installed 
in Type R321/4-82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/
13 propeller assemblies that are in storage before installing the 
propeller assembly onto an airplane.
    You must use the service information described previously to 
perform the actions required by this AD.

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.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety. We did not precede it by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2001-NE-50-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-

[[Page 59649]]

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.

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.

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 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. 2001-NE-50-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

    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 removing Amendment 39-13681 (69 FR 
34560, June 22, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-14306, to read as follows:

2005-20-12 Dowty Aerospace Propellers: Amendment 39-14306. Docket 
No. 2001-NE-50-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 
28, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-13-01, Amendment 39-13681.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Dowty Aerospace Propellers Type R321/4-
82-F/8, R324/4-82-F/9, R333/4-82-F/12, and R334/4-82-F/13 propeller 
assemblies with propeller hubs part number (P/N) 660709201. These 
propeller assemblies are installed on, but not limited to, 
Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A. (CASA) 212, British Aerospace 
Regional Aircraft Jetstream Models 3101 and 3201, Fairchild 
Aircraft, Inc., Merlin IIIC, and Merlin IVC/Metro III airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of a hub separation on a CASA 
212 airplane. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller hub 
failure due to cracks in the hub, which could result in 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 Ultrasonic Inspections

    (f) Perform an initial ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of 
the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks within the compliance 
time specified in the following Table 1. Use Appendix A of the 
applicable Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) listed in Table 1 
of this AD.

                                   Table 1.--Applicable MSB for Propeller Type
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Initial inspection
       Propeller assembly type         within the earlier of .     Repeat inspection          Applicable MSB
                                                 . .                  within . . .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) R334/4-82-F/13...................  10 flight hours (FH)     300 FH time-since-last-  Alert MSB No. 61-1119,
                                        time-in-service (TIS)    inspection (TSLI).       Revision 4, dated
                                        or 20 days after the                              September 14, 2005.
                                        effective date of this
                                        AD.
(2) R321/4-82-F/8....................  50 FH TIS or 60 days     1,000 FH TSLI..........  MSB No. 61-1125,
                                        after the effective                               Revision 1, dated
                                        date of this AD.                                  October 9, 2002.
(3) R324/4-82-F/9....................  50 FH TIS or 60 days     1,000 FH TSLI..........  MSB No. 61-1126,
                                        after the effective                               Revision 1, dated
                                        date of this AD.                                  October 9, 2002.
(4) R333/4-82-F/12...................  50 FH TIS or 60 days     1,000 FH TSLI..........  MSB No. 61-1124,
                                        after the effective                               Revision 1, dated
                                        date of this AD.                                  October 8, 2002.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) For hubs and propellers in storage, perform an initial 
ultrasonic inspection of the rear wall of the rear half of the 
propeller hub for cracks, before placing in service. Use Appendix A 
of the applicable Dowty MSB listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (h) Propeller hubs, P/N 660709201, already inspected using a 
Dowty MSB listed in Table 1 or earlier issue of those MSBs, comply 
with paragraph (f) of this AD.

[[Page 59650]]

Repetitive Ultrasonic Inspections

    (i) Thereafter, perform a repetitive ultrasonic inspection of 
the rear wall of the rear half of the propeller hub for cracks 
within the compliance time specified in Table 1 of this AD. Use 
Appendix A of the applicable Dowty Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) 
listed in Table 1 of this AD.

Inspection Reporting Requirements

    (j) Within 10 days after each inspection, record the inspection 
data on a copy of Appendix B of the applicable MSB listed in Table 1 
of this AD. Report the findings to the Manager, Boston Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approved the reporting requirements and 
assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (k) The Manager, Boston 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (l) 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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be done.

Documents That Have Been Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 to 
perform the inspections required by this AD. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Dowty 
Alert Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) No. 61-1119, Revision 4, 
Dated September 14, 2005, listed in Table 2 of this AD, in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. The Director of 
the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by 
reference of MSB No. 61-1124, Revision 1, Dated October 8, 2002, and 
MSB No. 61-1125, Revision 1, Dated October 9, 2002, and MSB 61-1126, 
Revision 1, Dated October 9, 2002 (69 FR 34560, June 22, 2004). 
Contact Dowty Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, 
Gloucester GL 29QN, UK; telephone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 
1452 716001 for a copy of this service information. 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 
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information 
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or 
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

                                      Table 2.--Incorporation by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service Bulletin No.                  Page                Revision                      Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alert MSB No. 61-1119.............  All..................  4...................  September 14, 2005.
Appendix A........................  1....................  1...................  November 27, 2001.
                                    2....................  Original............  November 1, 2001.
                                    3-6..................  1...................  November 27, 2001.
Appendix B........................  1....................  Original............  November 1, 2001.
Appendix C........................  All..................  Original............  November 27, 2001.
Appendix D........................  All..................  Original............  December 6, 2001.
                                   ========================
    Total pages...................  30...................  ....................  ...............................
MSB No. 61-1124...................  1....................  1...................  October 8, 2002.
                                    2-3..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix A........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix B........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix C........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix D........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
                                   ========================
    Total pages...................  30...................  ....................  ...............................
MSB No. 61-1125...................  1....................  1...................  October 9, 2002.
                                    2-3..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix A........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix B........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix C........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix D........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
                                   ========================
    Total pages...................  30...................  ....................  ...............................
MSB No. 61-1126...................  1....................  1...................  October 9, 2002.
                                    2-3..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix A........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix B........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix C........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
Appendix D........................  All..................  Original............  May 7, 2002.
                                   ------------------------
    Total pages...................  30...................  ....................  ...............................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 59651]]

Related Information

    (n) United Kingdom (U.K.) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) 
airworthiness directives No. G-2006-0027, dated September 8, 2005; 
CAA UK AD No. 009-05-2002, dated April 15, 2003; CAA UK AD No. 010-
05-2002, dated April 15, 2003; and CAA UK AD No. 011-05-2002, dated 
April 15, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26, 2005.
Francis A. Favara,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20170 Filed 10-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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