Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM Series Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 23, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7934-7936]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-3113]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0093; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-06-AD; 
Amendment 39-16198; AD 2010-04-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM 
Series Propellers

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 Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers. That 
AD requires, for certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of McCauley Propeller 
Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers, initial and repetitive visual and 
dye penetrant inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, replacement 
of propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, and 
rework of propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits. This AD 
requires, for all McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series 
propellers, the same actions but at reduced compliance times. This AD 
also requires inspections of the bolt holes, reaming holes if 
necessary, and inspections of steel reinforcement plates and gaskets. 
This AD results from 16 reports received of propeller hubs found 
cracked since AD 2003-12-05 was issued. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can 
result in loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective March 10, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulations as of March 10, 2010.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by April 26, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this AD.
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Teplik, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone: (316) 946-4196; fax: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 by superseding 
AD 2003-12-05, Amendment 39-13190 (68 FR 35155, June 12, 2003). That AD 
requires, for certain S/Ns of McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM 
series propellers, initial and repetitive visual and dye penetrant 
inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, replacement of propellers 
with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, and rework of 
propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits. That AD was the 
result of reports of hub cracking on the camber (forward) side of the 
propeller hub near the attachment bolt holes on certain propellers. 
That condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller separation 
due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of control of the 
airplane.

Actions Since AD 2003-12-05 Was Issued

    Since AD 2003-12-05 was issued, we received 16 reports of propeller 
hubs found cracked. Two of the cracks were on propellers outside the 
propeller range of serial numbers affected by AD 2003-12-05. These 
cracks began at a bolt hole and extended through to the hub outer 
surface. These propellers had fewer than 3,000 operating hours time-in-
service (TIS). AD 2003-12-05 required inspections starting at 3,000 
operating hours TIS. We have not yet been able to determine the cause 
of the propeller hub cracking.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley 
Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB221E, dated 
January 28, 2010. That ASB describes, for all McCauley Propeller 
Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers, procedures for initial and 
repetitive visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks in the 
propeller hub, removal from service of propellers with cracks that do 
not meet acceptable limits, and rework of propellers with cracks that 
meet acceptable limits.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers 
of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller 
separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of 
control of the airplane. This AD requires, for all McCauley Propeller 
Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers, initial and repetitive visual and 
dye penetrant inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, including 
bolt holes, reaming holes if necessary, inspections of steel 
reinforcement plates and gaskets, removal from service of propellers 
with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, and rework of 
propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits. 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.

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 send us any written relevant data, 
views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-0093; Directorate 
Identifier 97-

[[Page 7935]]

ANE-06-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. We specifically 
invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and 
energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact 
with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of the 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including, if provided, the name of the individual who sent the comment 
(or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor 
union, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement 
in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is the same as 
the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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 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 at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 39-13190 (68 FR 
35155, June 12, 2003), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, 
Amendment 39-16198, to read as follows:

2010-04-05 McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-16198. Docket 
No. FAA-2010-0093; Directorate Identifier 97-ANE-06-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
10, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-12-05, Amendment 39-13190.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM 
series propellers, all serial numbers. These propellers are 
installed on, but not limited to Cessna 152, Cessna A152, Reims 
F152, and Reims FA152 series airplanes, and on airplanes with 
Lycoming 0-235-L2C reciprocating engines modified by Supplemental 
Type Certificates SA1763SO, SA5695NM, SA1000NW, and SA432NE.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from 16 reports received of propeller hubs 
found cracked since AD 2003-12-05 was issued. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which 
can 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 Inspection of Propellers Not Previously Inspected

    (f) For propellers not previously inspected using McCauley 
Service Bulletin (Alert) No. 221C, dated September 7, 1999, or 
McCauley Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB221D, dated January 28, 
2008, do the following:
    (1) For propellers with more than 1,500 operating hours time-
since-new (TSN) or unknown operating hours TSN on the effective date 
of this AD, within the next 50 operating hours time-in-service 
(TIS), do the actions specified in paragraphs (h) through (m) of 
this AD.
    (2) For propellers with 1,500 or fewer operating hours TSN on 
the effective date of this AD, upon reaching 1,500 operating hours 
TSN or within the next 50 operating hours TIS, whichever is later, 
do the actions specified in paragraphs (h) through (m) of this AD.

Initial Inspection of Propellers Previously Inspected

    (g) For propellers previously inspected using McCauley Service 
Bulletin (Alert) No. 221C, dated September 7, 1999, or McCauley ASB 
No. ASB221D, dated January 28, 2008, do the following:
    (1) For propellers with more than 1,500 operating hours TSN on 
the effective date of this AD, and with 750 or more operating hours 
time-since-last-inspection (TSLI), within the next 50 operating 
hours TIS, do the actions specified in paragraphs (h) through (m) of 
this AD.
    (2) For propellers with more than 1,500 operating hours TSN on 
the effective date of this AD, and with fewer than 750 operating 
hours TSLI, before reaching 750 operating hours TSLI or within the 
next 50 operating hours TIS, whichever occurs later, do the actions 
specified in paragraphs (h) through (m) of this AD.
    (h) Visual- and dye-penetrant-inspect for cracks in the 
propeller hub.
    (i) Inspect the bolt holes and ream the holes if necessary.
    (j) Inspect the steel reinforcement plates and gaskets.
    (k) Remove propellers that are not within the bolt hole 
inspection limits or have cracks that are not within the rework 
limits.
    (l) Rework propellers that have cracks that meet acceptable 
rework limits.
    (m) Use the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley ASB No. 
ASB221E, dated January 28, 2010, to do the inspections, rework, and 
removals from service.

[[Page 7936]]

Repetitive Propeller Inspections

    (n) Thereafter, for all propellers, within every additional 750 
operating hours TIS, perform the actions in paragraphs (h) through 
(m) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (o) The Manager, Wichita 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (p) Under 39.23, we are limiting the availability of special 
flight permits for this AD. Special flight permits are available 
only if:
    (1) The operator has not observed abnormal propeller vibration 
or abnormal engine vibration.
    (2) The operator has not made earlier reports of abnormal 
propeller vibration, abnormal engine vibration, or other abnormal 
propeller operations that have not been addressed.

Related Information

    (q) Contact Thomas Teplik, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport 
Road, Room 100, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: [email protected]; 
telephone: (316) 946-4196; fax: (316) 946-4107, for more information 
about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (r) You must use McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service 
Bulletin No. ASB221E, dated January 28, 2010, to perform the 
inspections, rework, and removals from service required by this AD. 
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact McCauley Propeller Systems, 5800 
E. Pawnee, Wichita, KS 67218, telephone: (800) 621-7767; e-mail: 
[email protected]; Web: http://www.mccauley.textron.com, for a copy of this service information. 
You may review copies at the FAA, New England Region, 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.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 8, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-3113 Filed 2-22-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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