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

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 65 (Friday, April 4, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16064-16066]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-7594]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-06; Amendment 39-9973, AD 97-06-16]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series 
propellers. This action supersedes priority letter AD 95-21-01 that 
currently requires visual inspections for cracks in the propeller hub 
of certain propellers using a 10X power magnifying-glass. This action 
requires an initial inspection for cracks in the propeller hub in 
accordance with a dye penetrant inspection procedure, replacement of 
propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, rework of 
propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits, and repetitive 
inspections of all affected propellers. This amendment is prompted by 
development of a dye penetrant inspection and rework procedures. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent propeller 
separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of 
control of the aircraft.

DATES: Effective April 24, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 24, 1997.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before June 3, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-06, 12 New England 
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent 
via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad-
[email protected]''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain 
the docket number in the subject line.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
McCauley Propeller Systems 3535 McCauley Drive, P.O. Drawer 5053, 
Vandalia, OH 45377-5053; telephone (937) 890-5246, fax (937) 890-6001. 
This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office 
of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie Sumner, Aerospace Engineer, 
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
2300 East Devon Ave., Room 323, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 
294-7132, fax (847) 294-7834.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 29, 1995, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued priority letter airworthiness directive

[[Page 16065]]

(AD) 95-21-01, applicable to McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM 
series propellers, which requires visual inspections for cracks in the 
propeller hub of certain propellers using a 10X power magnifying-glass. 
That action was prompted by reports of hub cracking on the front hub 
face 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 
aircraft.
    Since the issuance of that priority letter AD, the manufacturer has 
developed a improved dye penetrant inspection procedure that will more 
accurately discover cracking. In addition, the manufacturer has 
developed rework procedures for propellers that do not exhibit severe 
cracking.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of 
McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 221B, dated 
December 16, 1996, that describes procedures for dye penetrant 
inspections and rework of affected propellers.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other propellers of this same type design, this AD 
supersedes priority letter AD 95-21-01 to require an initial inspection 
for cracks in the propeller hub in accordance with a an improved dye 
penetrant inspection procedure, replacement of propellers with cracks 
that do not meet acceptable limits, rework of propellers with cracks 
that meet acceptable limits, and repetitive inspections of all affected 
propellers. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the ASB described previously.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-ANE-06.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, may 
be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to 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

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-06-16  McCauley Propeller Systems: Amendment 39-9973. Docket No. 
97-ANE-06. Supersedes AD 95-21-01.

    Applicability: McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series 
propellers with numeric serial number 770001 through 777390; and 
propellers with alpha-numeric serial number BC001 up to, but not 
including KC001; installed on but not limited to Cessna 152, Cessna 
A152, Reims F152, and Reims FA152 series aircraft. All alpha-numeric 
serial number propellers beginning with the letters ``B'' through 
``J'' are affected by this AD.

    Note 1: This airworthiness directive (AD) applies to each 
propeller identified in the preceding applicability provision, 
regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in 
the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For propellers that 
have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of 
the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance in 
accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD. The request should include 
an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or 
repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the 
unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include 
specific proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, 
which can result in loss of control of the aircraft, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect propellers, and rework or replace with a serviceable 
part, as necessary, in accordance with Sections II and III of 
McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 221B, 
dated December 16, 1996, as follows:
    (1) For propellers with 3,000 or more hours time-in-service 
(TIS), or unknown TIS, on the effective date of this AD, as follows:
    (i) Perform an initial dye penetrant inspection in accordance 
with Section II of the ASB within 50 hours TIS since last visual 
inspection performed in accordance with priority letter AD 95-21-01.
    (ii) Thereafter, perform repetitive dye penetrant inspections in 
accordance with Section II of the ASB at intervals not to

[[Page 16066]]

exceed 800 hours TIS, or 12 calendar months since last dye penetrant 
inspection, whichever occurs first.
    (iii) If cracks are discovered that are not within the rework 
limits described in Section III of the ASB, prior to further flight 
remove the propeller from service and replace with a serviceable 
part.
    (iv) If cracks are discovered that are within the rework limits 
described in Section III of the ASB, prior to further flight rework 
the propeller in accordance with Section III of the SB, and resume 
inspecting repetitively in accordance with paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of 
this AD.
    (2) For propellers with less than 3,000 hours TIS on the 
effective date of this AD, upon accumulating 3,000 hours TIS perform 
the steps required by paragraph (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iv) of this 
AD.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office. The request should be forwarded through an appropriate FAA 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this airworthiness directive, 
if any, may be obtained from the Chicago Aircraft Certification 
Office.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the aircraft to a location where 
the inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The actions required by this AD shall be accomplished in 
accordance with the following McCauley Propeller Systems ASB:

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           Document No.             Page                Date            
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221B.............................    1-22  December 16, 1996.           
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    Total Pages: 22.
    This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51. Copies may be obtained from McCauley Propeller Systems 3535 
McCauley Drive, P.O. Drawer 5053, Vandalia, OH 45377-5053; telephone 
(513) 890-5246, fax (513) 890-6001. Copies may be inspected at the 
FAA, New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment supersedes priority letter AD 95-21-01, 
issued September 29, 1995.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on April 24, 1997.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 11, 1997.
James C. Jones,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-7594 Filed 4-3-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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