Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33209-33211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09142]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2023-1820; Project Identifier AD-2023-00510-P; 
Amendment 39-22721; AD 2024-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
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 all 
Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) Model 14SF-7, 
14SF-15, and 14SF-23 propellers. This AD was prompted by a report of an 
auxiliary motor and pump failing to feather a propeller in flight. This 
AD requires replacing a certain auxiliary motor and pump. This AD also 
prohibits installation of a certain auxiliary motor and pump. The FAA 
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 3, 2024.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of June 3, 
2024.

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1820; 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, any comments received, and other 
information. The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Hamilton Sundstrand, One Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 
06096-1010, phone: (877) 808-7575; email: [email protected].
    <bullet> You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 
District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is 
also available at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1820.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Isabel Saltzman, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 
(781) 238-7649; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Hamilton Sundstrand 
Corporation (Hamilton Sundstrand) Model 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 
propellers. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 7, 
2023 (88 FR 61480). The NPRM was prompted by a report of an auxiliary 
motor and pump installed on a non-Hamilton Sundstrand propeller failing 
to feather the propeller in flight through either the primary or the 
backup means. The failure was caused by motor magnets in the auxiliary 
motor and pump that were de-bonded due to corrosion at the magnet and 
housing interface. The de-bonded motor magnets prevented motor 
rotation. Hamilton Sundstrand Model 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 
propellers use the same auxiliary motor and pump. These propellers are 
installed on, but not limited to, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Limited (Type Certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc.) Model 
DHC-8-100 series, DHC-8-200 series, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. 
This condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced 
controllability of the aircraft and consequent loss of control of the 
aircraft.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require the removal from service 
of an auxiliary motor and pump having part number (P/N) 782655-3 
(Aerocontrolex P/N 4122-006009) and replacement with an auxiliary motor 
and pump having P/N 782655-4 (Aerocontrolex P/N 4122-056000). In the 
NPRM, the FAA also proposed to prohibit the installation of an 
auxiliary motor and pump having P/N 782655-3 (Aerocontrolex P/N 4122-
006009) on any propeller. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three commenters. The commenters 
were Collins Aerospace, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and an individual. 
Sierra Nevada Corporation noted that the AD does not apply to its fleet 
and had no objection to the NPRM. Two commenters, Collins Aerospace and 
an individual, recommended certain changes. The following presents the 
comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response.

Request To Clarify the Use of ``Any Propeller'' in the NPRM

    Two commenters, Collins Aerospace and an individual, observed that 
the use of the phrase ``any propeller'' in the NPRM causes confusion. 
The commenters noted that the phrase ``any propeller'' appears three 
times in the subject NPRM. Collins Aerospace stated that this use of 
``any propeller'' language has caused some confusion related to AD 
2023-16-06 [Amendment 39-22525 (88 FR 63513, September 15, 2023)]. An 
individual also observed that the use of the word ``also'' in the 
sentence, ``This AD also prohibits installation of a certain auxiliary 
motor and pump on any propeller,'' in the Summary section

[[Page 33210]]

of the proposed rule indicates or implies the prohibition is for other 
propellers in addition to what is identified in the applicability. The 
commenters requested that the FAA remove the phrase ``any propeller'' 
from all preamble and regulatory text regarding an installation 
prohibition in the AD. The commenters also requested that the FAA write 
the prohibition to show that it only pertains to the propeller models 
listed in this AD.
    The FAA agrees to clarify regarding the use of the phrase ``any 
propeller'' and whether the prohibition only applies to the propeller 
models list in the AD. For clarification, all of the requirements of an 
AD can apply only to the propellers listed in the applicability. To 
eliminate any confusion, however, the FAA revised paragraph (h) of this 
final rule, Installation Prohibition, to specify that the installation 
prohibition applies to any propeller identified in paragraph (c) of 
this AD.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered any comments 
received, and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. Except for minor editorial changes, and 
any other changes described previously, this AD is adopted as proposed 
in the NPRM. None of the changes will increase the economic burden on 
any operator.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin (SB) 14SF-61-
168, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2016. This service information 
specifies instructions for replacing the auxiliary motor and pump. 
Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation is a UTC Aerospace Systems Company. 
This service information is identified as both Hamilton Sundstrand 
Corporation and UTC Aerospace Systems. 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 
ADDRESSES.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 180 propellers installed on 
airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace auxiliary motor and pump......  2 work-hours x $85 per           $11,000         $11,170      $2,010,600
                                         hour = $170.
Perform post-installation system test.  1 work-hour x $85 per                  0              85          15,300
                                         hour = $85.
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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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA 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:

2024-07-01 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation: Amendment 39-22721; 
Docket No. FAA-2023-1820; Project Identifier AD-2023-00510-P.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective June 3, 2024.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Hamilton 
Sundstrand) Model 14SF-7, 14SF-15, and 14SF-23 propellers.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c):  These propellers are known to be 
installed on, but not limited to, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada 
Limited (Type Certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc.) Model 
DHC-8-100 series, DHC-8-200 series, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6123, Propeller 
Feathering/Reversing.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by a report of an auxiliary motor and pump 
failing to feather a propeller in flight. The FAA is issuing this AD 
to prevent the failure of a certain auxiliary motor and pump to 
feather propellers. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in reduced controllability of the aircraft and consequent 
loss of control of the aircraft.

(f) Compliance

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

[[Page 33211]]

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
from service an auxiliary motor and pump having part number (P/N) 
782655-3 (Aerocontrolex P/N 4122-006009) and replace with an 
auxiliary motor and pump having P/N 782655-4 (Aerocontrolex P/N 
4122-056000) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, 
paragraphs 3.B., 3.C., and 3.E. of Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin (SB) 14SF-61-168, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2016 
(Hamilton Sundstrand SB 14SF-61-168, Revision 1).
    (2) After replacement of the auxiliary motor and pump, perform a 
post-installation system test in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.F. of Hamilton Sundstrand SB 14SF-61-168, 
Revision 1.

(h) Installation Prohibition

    After the effective date of this AD, do not install an auxiliary 
motor and pump having P/N 782655-3 (Aerocontrolex P/N 4122-006009) 
on any propeller identified in paragraph (c) of this AD.

(i) No Return of Parts

    Where the service information referenced in the Accomplishment 
Instructions, paragraph 3.B. of Hamilton Sundstrand SB 14SF-61-168, 
Revision 1, specifies returning certain parts to the manufacturer 
for modification, this AD does not include that requirement.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of 
this AD using Hamilton Sundstrand SB 14SF-61-168, Original Issue, 
dated December 14, 2016.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, East Certification 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 branch office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (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.

(l) Additional Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Isabel Saltzman, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, 
GA 30337; phone: (781) 238-7649; email: [email protected].
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3) and (4) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Service Bulletin 14SF-61-
168, Revision 1, dated December 21, 2016.

    Note 2 to paragraph (m)(2)(i): Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 
is a UTC Aerospace Systems Company. This service information is 
identified as both Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation and UTC Aerospace 
Systems.

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Hamilton Sundstrand, One Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-
1010, phone: (877) 808-7575; email: [email protected].
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, 
Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (5) You may view this material at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    Issued on March 26, 2024.
Victor Wicklund,
Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2024-09142 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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