Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers Model 568F Propellers

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13337-13339]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-6876]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0270; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-30-AD; 
Amendment 39-15865; AD 2009-07-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers Model 
568F Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers model 568F propellers with certain part 
number (P/N) and serial number (SN) blades. This AD requires removing 
affected propeller blades from service for rework. This AD results from 
reports of blades with corrosion pits in the tulip area of the blades. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from developing in the tulip 
area of the blade, which could result in separation of the blade and 
loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 1, 2009.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by May 26, 2009.

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: U.S. Docket Management Facility, 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.
    Contact Hamilton Sundstrand Propeller Technical Team, One Hamilton 
Road, Mail Stop 1-3-AB43, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1010; fax (860) 654-
5107, for the service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7170.

[[Page 13338]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received reports of corrosion on six 
propeller blades. A lack of adhesive and primer beyond the end of the 
compression wrap during manufacturing of certain serial-numbered 
propeller blades could result in corrosion pits developing in the tulip 
area of the propeller blade. This condition, if not corrected, could 
cause cracks in the tulip area, which could result in separation of the 
propeller blade and possible loss of airplane control.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    Although no airplanes that are registered in the United States use 
these propellers, the possibility exists that the propellers could be 
used on airplanes that are registered in the United States in the 
future. The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or 
develop on other Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers model 568F propellers 
of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from 
developing in the tulip area of the blade, which could result in 
separation of the blade and loss of airplane control. This AD requires 
removing from service, Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers model 568F 
propellers, with a P/N and SN listed in Table 1 of this AD, within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    Since no domestic operators use this product, notice and 
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary. 
Therefore, we are adopting this regulation immediately.

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 ``AD Docket No. FAA-2009-0270; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-30-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, 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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2009-07-06 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation: Amendment 39-15865. 
Docket No. FAA-2009-0270; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-30-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 1, 
2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hamilton Sundstrand Propellers model 568F 
propellers with blades, part numbers (P/Ns) R815505R2, R815505R3, 
R815505R4, R815505S2, and R815505S3, that have a serial number (SN) 
listed in Table 1 of this AD, installed. These propellers are 
installed on, but not limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport 
Regional ATR-42-400 and -500, ATR72-210A, -500, and Construcciones 
Aeronauticas, S.A. C-295 airplanes.

                Table 1--Affected Propeller Blades by SN
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                                                31
                                                33
                                                34
                                                37
                                                40
                                                43
                                               105
                                               230
                                               259
                                               265
                                               277

[[Page 13339]]

 
                                               278
                                               403
                                               747
                                              1007
                                              1031
                                              1510
                                              1515
                                              1803
                                              1813
                                              1823
                                              1834
                                              1917
                                              2072
                                              2299
                                              2300
                                              2383
                                              2459
                                              2460
                                              2462
                                              2464
                                              2469
                                              2470
                                              2473
                                              2492
                                              2510
                                              2535
                                              2577
                                              2625
                                          20010731
                                          20010732
                                          20010917
                                          20020568
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of blades with corrosion pits 
in the tulip area of the blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracks from developing in the tulip area of the blade, which could 
result in separation of the blade and loss of airplane control.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

Removing Blades P/Ns R815505R2, R815505R3, R815505R4, R815505S2, and 
R815505S3

    (f) Remove from service blades, P/Ns R815505R2, R815505R3, 
R815505R4, R815505S2, and R815505S3, that have a SN listed in Table 
1 of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) The Manager, Boston 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

    (h) Under 14 CFR 39.23, we will not issue any special flight 
permits.

Related Information

    (i) Hamilton Sundstrand Alert Service Bulletin 568F-61-A47, 
dated September 19, 2005, pertains to the subject of this AD Contact 
Hamilton Sundstrand Propeller Technical Team, One Hamilton Road, 
Mail Stop 1-3-AB43, Windsor Locks, CT 06096-1010; fax (860) 654-
5107, for a copy of this service information.
    (j) Contact Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New 
England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; e-mail: 
[email protected]; telephone (781) 238-7155; fax (781) 238-7170, 
for more information about this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) None.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 20, 2009.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-6876 Filed 3-26-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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