Airworthiness Directives; Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 228 (Tuesday, November 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 60764-60766]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-25780]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0975; Product Identifier 2018-NE-06-AD; Amendment 
39-19492; AD 2018-20-03 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are revising airworthiness directive (AD) 2018-20-03 for 
certain Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann) model HO-V 62 propellers. AD 
2018-20-03 required removal of the affected propeller blades and 
installation of modified propeller blades marked with a change letter 
``A'' or ``B'' suffix. This AD requires the removal and replacement of 
the affected propeller blades and installation of modified propeller 
blades marked with a change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that the applicability and installation 
prohibition paragraphs of AD 2018-20-03 were incorrect. We 
inadvertently included all Hoffmann model HO-V 62 propeller blades that 
did not have a change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix added to the serial 
number (S/N) and marked on the blade in the applicability and 
installation prohibition paragraphs of AD 2018-20-03. Only Hoffmann 
model HO-V 62 propellers with certain S/Ns without a change letter 
``A'' or ``B'' suffix are affected. We are issuing this AD to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective December 12, 2018.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by January 11, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR

[[Page 60765]]

11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Hoffmann 
Propeller GmbH & Co. KG, Sales and Service, K[uuml]pferlingstrasse 9, 
83022 Rosenheim, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 8031 1878 0; fax: +49 (0) 8031 
1878 78; email: prop.com">info@hoffmann-prop.com. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA, 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7759. It is also 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0975.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0975; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness information, 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. 
The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-5527) is 
listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen Maisttison, Aerospace 
Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Ave, Burlington, MA, 
01803; phone: 781-238-7076; fax: 781-238-7898; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued AD 2018-20-03, Amendment 39-19437 (83 FR 50821, October 
10, 2018), (``AD 2018-20-03''), for Hoffmann model HO-V 62 propellers. 
AD 2018-20-03 required removal of the affected propeller blades and 
installation of modified propeller blades marked with a change letter 
``A'' or ``B'' suffix. AD 2018-20-03 resulted from the failure of the 
propeller blade lag screws. We issued AD 2018-20-03 to prevent failure 
of the propeller.

Actions Since AD 2018-20-03 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2018-20-03, we determined that we inadvertently 
included all Hoffmann S/N model HO-V 62 propeller blades without a 
change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix in the applicability and 
installation prohibition paragraphs of this AD. This AD corrects the 
applicability and installation prohibition paragraphs to affect only 
Hoffmann model HO-V 62 propeller blades with S/N 1 to 6049, inclusive. 
We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

Related Service Information

    We reviewed Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG Service Bulletin (SB) 
E34 Rev. B, dated September 18, 2017. The SB describes the instructions 
for the removal and installation of the propeller blades. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination

    This product has been approved by the European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA), and is approved for operation in the United States. 
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the European Community, EASA 
has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all the relevant information provided by EASA and determined 
the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop 
in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD requires removal of the affected propeller blades and 
installation of modified propeller blades marked with a change letter 
``A'' or ``B'' suffix.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    We are revising AD 2018-20-03 to correct the applicability and 
installation prohibition paragraphs, which were overly inclusive. We 
also reduced the compliance time in this AD to align more closely with 
the effective compliance time in AD 2018-20-03. We previously provided 
notice and an opportunity to comment on the substance of this 
rulemaking and received no comments. Therefore, we find that notice and 
opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary 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, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this final 
rule. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES 
section. Include the docket number FAA-2018-0975 and product identifier 
2018-NE-06-AD at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite 
comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy 
aspects of this final rule. We will consider all comments received by 
the closing date and may amend this final rule because of those 
comments.
    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 we 
receive about this final rule.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 50 propellers installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that 25 propellers will need to be replaced between 
overhaul and 25 propellers will need to be replaced at overhaul to 
comply with this AD:

[[Page 60766]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace blades between overhaul.......  3 work-hours x $85 per            $3,150          $3,405         $85,125
                                         hour = $255.
Replace blades at overhaul............  0 work-hours x $85 per             3,150           3,150          78,750
                                         hour = $0.
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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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to engines, propellers, and 
associated appliances to the Manager, Engine and Propeller Standards 
Branch, Policy and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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 FAA 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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
2018-20-03, Amendment 39-19437 (83 FR 50821, October 10, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-20-03 R1 Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG: Amendment 39-19492; Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0975; Product Identifier 2018-NE-06-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective December 12, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-20-03, Amendment 39-19437 (83 FR 50821, 
October 10, 2018).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann) model HO-V 
62 propellers with a propeller blade serial number (S/N) 1 to 6049, 
inclusive. Hoffmann model HO-V 62 propeller blades marked with the 
change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix to the S/N are not affected by 
this AD.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6110, Propeller 
Assembly.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the failure of the propeller blade lag 
screws. We are issuing the AD to prevent failure of the propeller. 
The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the release 
of the propeller blade, damage to the aircraft, and injury and/or 
loss of life.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, remove the 
affected propeller blades and install modified Hoffmann propeller 
blades marked with a change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix to the S/N 
marked on the blade.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install a Hoffmann 
model HO-V 62 propeller with a propeller blade S/N 1 to 6049 if it 
is not marked with a change letter ``A'' or ``B'' suffix to the S/N 
marked on the blade.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found 
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request 
to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District 
Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the 
manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the 
person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Maureen 
Maisttison, Aerospace Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 
District Ave., Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7076; fax: 781-
238-7898; email: [email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2017-
0220, dated November 10, 2017, for more information. You may examine 
the EASA AD in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0975.

(k) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on November 19, 2018.
Robert J. Ganley,
Manager, Engine & Propeller Standards Branch, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-25780 Filed 11-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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