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2005-18-12 HARTZELL PROPELLER INC. PROPELLERS: Amendment 39-14252. Docket No. FAA-2004-19955; Directorate Identifier. 2004-NE-17-AD.
EFFECTIVE DATE

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 14, 2005.

AFFECTED ADS

(b) None.

APPLICABILITY

(c) This AD applies to Hartzell propeller assemblies with hub model series
    specified in Table 1 of this AD.

These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, the aircraft listed
in Table 2 of this AD.

    TABLE 1.--LIST OF APPLICABLE PROPELLER ASSEMBLIES BY HUB MODEL SERIES
    ______________________________________________________________________
                            HC–92W Hub Model Series
                            BHC–92W Hub Model Series
                            HC–92Z Hub Model Series
                            BHC–92Z Hub Model Series
                            HC–B3P Hub Model Series
                            HC–B3R Hub Model Series
                            HC–B3W Hub Model Series
                            BHC–B3W Hub Model Series
                            HA–B3Z Hub Model Series
                            HC–B3Z Hub Model Series
    ______________________________________________________________________



        TABLE 2.--LIST OF AIRPLANES THAT MIGHT USE AN AFFECTED PROPELLER
    ______________________________________________________________________
    AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURER               AIRCRAFT MODEL
    ______________________________________________________________________

    AERMACCHI (AERONAUTICA MACCHI)      AM–3C

    AERO COMMANDER                      560–F680, 680E, 680F, 680FL,
                                        680FLP, 720

    AEROSPATIALE (MORANE SAULNIER)      733

    AEROSTAR AIRCRAFT CORP.             360

    AEROTEK II, INC. (CALLAIR)          B1A (CALLAIR)

    AIR & SPACE                         18, 18A

    BEECH                               18 SERIES
                                        C45
                                        35 SERIES
                                        A65, 65, 65–80, 65–A80, 65–B80,
                                        65–88
                                        95, B95, B95A, D95A, E95
                                        70
                                        C18S [(C–45(A, F), UC–45(B, F),
                                        AT–7 (A, B, C), JRB–(1, 2, 3, 4),
                                        SNB–2(C)] C18S, AT–11
                                        C–45G,C–45H; TC–45G, H, J; RC–45J
                                        D18S,E18S, G18S, H18; 3N, 3NM, 3TM
                                        E50, F50, G50, H50, J50

    BUSHMASTER AIRCRAFT CORP            BUSHMASTER 2000

    CESSNA                              172, 175, 175A, 190, 195, A, B,
                                        421, 421A, A185E, A185F
                                        (SEAPLANES ONLY), T50                    

    DE HAVILLAND CANADA                 DHC–2 MKI

    DORNIER                             DO28D, DO28D–1

    FOUND BROTHERS                      100, FBA–2C                     

    GOODYEAR (LOCKHEED MARTIN)          GZ20, GZ20A

    GRUMMAN (GULFSTREAM AERO.)          G44, G44A

    GRUMMAN (MCKINNON)                  G21A

    HELIO                               H–250, H–295, HT–295 (U–10D) H–395
                                        (L–28A, U–10B) H–500

    ICA (ROMANIA)                       IAR–831

    JOBMASTER                           DGA–15P

    KWAD                                SUPER–V

    LAKE (REVO)                         LA–4

    LOCKHEED                            12A

    MESSERSCHMITT                       207

    MOONEY                              M20A

    NAVY                                N3N–3

    NORD                                3400, 3402

    PACIFIC AEROSPACE (FLETCHER)        FU–24, FU–24A

    PIAGGIO                             P–166B, C

    PILATUS                             PC–6/350; PC–6/350–H1, –H2

    PIPER                               PA–23, PA–24, PA–25

    PROCAER                             F15/B

    REVO (COLONIAL)                     C–2

    SAAB                                91D SAFIR

    SCHWEIZER (GRUMMAN)                 G–164

    SIMMERING GRAZ PAUKER A.G           SGP222

    SPARTON                             7W

    UTVA                                66

    WDL AVIATION                        An Airship
    (formerly WDL FLUGDIENST)

    WEATHERLY                           201B, 201C, 620, 620A, 620C
    ______________________________________________________________________

UNSAFE CONDITION

(d) This AD  results from two  events where a  "Z-shank" blade failed  and
    separated  and  the  results  of  teardown  inspections  that detected
    corrosion  in  the  blade  bore. We  are  issuing  this  AD to  detect
    corrosion and mechanical damage that can cause failure of a propeller,
    which could 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.

AIRCRAFT WITH EXPERIMENTAL TYPE CERTIFICATES

(f) We recommend that you comply with the inspection requirements of  this
    AD, if you have an aircraft with an experimental type certificate, and
    you have a  propeller hub model  listed in this  AD installed on  that
    aircraft.

INSPECTION OF THE PROPELLER

(g) If the time-since-overhaul (TSO) of the propeller is 10 years or fewer
    on the effective date of this AD, no further action is required.

(h) If  the  propeller  assembly  was  inspected  using  Hartzell  Service
    Bulletin (SB) No. HC-SB-61-136, Revision  I, dated April 25, 2003;  SB
    No. 136, Revision H, dated March 12, 1993; or SB No. 136, Revision  G,
    dated November 15, 1991; no further action is required.

(i) If  the TSO  of the  propeller assembly  is more  than 10 years on the
    effective  date of  this AD,  or if   the TSO  is unknown,  or if  the
    propeller has not complied with Hartzell SB No. HC-SB-61-136, Revision
    I, dated April 25,  2003; or SB No.  136, Revision H, dated  March 12,
    1993; or SB No. 136, Revision G, dated November 15, 1991; perform  the
    actions specified  in Table  3 of  this AD.  Use the  compliance times
    specified  in  Table  3  of this  AD.  Information  on  inspecting the
    propeller assembly  for cracks,  corrosion or  pits, nicks, scratches,
    wear, blade minimum dimensions, and  damage in the blade balance  bore
    can be found in the applicable Hartzell maintenance manuals.

                TABLE 3.--COMPLIANCE TIMES FOR ONETIME INSPECTION
    ______________________________________________________________________


    IF THE TSO OF THE PROPELLER ASSEMBLY ON
    THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AD IS... » » »

    (1) More 25 years or the TSO is not known.

                        THEN... » » »

                        (a) Disassemble and clean the propeller assembly

                        (b) Perform visual and nondestructive  inspections
                            of propeller components for cracks,  corrosion
                            or pits, nicks, scratches, wear, blade minimum
                            dimensions, and  damage in  the blade  balance
                            hole.

                        (c) Inspect and  rework the propeller  blade bore.
                            Use 3.A. of the Accomplishment instructions of
                            Hartzell  SB  No.  HC–SB–61–136,  Revision  I,
                            dated April 26, 2003.

                        (d) Repair and replace with serviceable parts,  as
                            necessary.

                        (e) Reassemble and test.

                                    PERFORM THE INSPECTION... » » »

                                    Within 12  months after  the effective
                                    date of this AD.

    ______________________________________________________________________


    IF THE TSO OF THE PROPELLER ASSEMBLY ON
    THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AD IS... » » »

    (2) Twenty-one to 25 years

                        THEN... » » »

                        (a) Disassemble and clean the propeller assembly

                        (b) Perform visual and nondestructive  inspections
                            of propeller components for cracks,  corrosion
                            or pits, nicks, scratches, wear, blade minimum
                            dimensions, and  damage in  the blade  balance
                            hole.

                        (c) Inspect and  rework the propeller  blade bore.
                            Use 3.A. of the Accomplishment instructions of
                            Hartzell  SB  No.  HC–SB–61–136,  Revision  I,
                            dated April 26, 2003.

                        (d) Repair and replace with serviceable parts,  as
                            necessary.

                        (e) Reassemble and test.

                                    PERFORM THE INSPECTION... » » »

                                    Within 18  months after  the effective
                                    date of this AD.

    ______________________________________________________________________


    IF THE TSO OF THE PROPELLER ASSEMBLY ON
    THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AD IS... » » »

    (3) Sixteen to 20 years

                        THEN... » » »

                        (a) Disassemble and clean the propeller assembly

                        (b) Perform visual and nondestructive  inspections
                            of propeller components for cracks,  corrosion
                            or pits, nicks, scratches, wear, blade minimum
                            dimensions, and  damage in  the blade  balance
                            hole.

                        (c) Inspect and  rework the propeller  blade bore.
                            Use 3.A. of the Accomplishment instructions of
                            Hartzell  SB  No.  HC–SB–61–136,  Revision  I,
                            dated April 26, 2003.

                        (d) Repair and replace with serviceable parts,  as
                            necessary.

                        (e) Reassemble and test.

                                    PERFORM THE INSPECTION... » » »

                                    Within 24  months after  the effective
                                    date of this AD.

    ______________________________________________________________________


    IF THE TSO OF THE PROPELLER ASSEMBLY ON
    THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS AD IS... » » »

    (4) Eleven to 15 years

                        THEN... » » »

                        (a) Disassemble and clean the propeller assembly

                        (b) Perform visual and nondestructive  inspections
                            of propeller components for cracks,  corrosion
                            or pits, nicks, scratches, wear, blade minimum
                            dimensions, and  damage in  the blade  balance
                            hole.

                        (c) Inspect and  rework the propeller  blade bore.
                            Use 3.A. of the Accomplishment instructions of
                            Hartzell  SB  No.  HC–SB–61–136,  Revision  I,
                            dated April 26, 2003.

                        (d) Repair and replace with serviceable parts,  as
                            necessary.

                        (e) Reassemble and test.

                                    PERFORM THE INSPECTION... » » »

                                    Within 36  months after  the effective
                                    date of this AD.


    ______________________________________________________________________


PROPELLER OVERHAUL

(j) Performing an overhaul of  the propeller assembly after the  effective
    date of this AD constitutes compliance with the requirements specified
    in  this  AD.  The latest  applicable  Maintenance  Manuals issued  by
    Hartzell Propeller Inc. contain information on overhauling a propeller
    assembly.

(k) The  time-since-overhaul only  changes if  you overhaul  the propeller
    assembly while performing the requirements specified in this AD.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

(l) Report   inspection  results   to   the   Manager,  Chicago   Aircraft
    Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon
    Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018, within 15 working days of the  inspection.
    The  Office  of Management  and  Budget (OMB)  approved  the reporting
    requirements and assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF COMPLIANCE

(m) The Manager, Chicago  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.

RELATED INFORMATION

(n) None.

MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(o) You must use Hartzell  Service Bulletin No. HC-SB-61-136, Revision  I,
    dated April 25, 2003, to  perform the inspections and rework  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 Hartzell Propeller Inc.
    Technical  Publications  Department, One  Propeller  Place, Piqua,  OH
    45356; telephone (937)  778 -4200; fax  (937) 778-4391, for  a copy of
    this  service  information.  You  may  review  copies  at  the  Docket
    Management Facility;  U.S. Department  of Transportation,  400 Seventh
    Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC  20590-0001,
    on the internet at http://dms.dot.gov, 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  August 29, 2005. Peter A.  White,
Acting Manager, Engine  and Propeller Directorate,  Aircraft Certification
Service.

FOR FURTHER  INFORMATION CONTACT:  Tim Smyth,  Aerospace Engineer, Chicago
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300  East
Devon Avenue, Des  Plaines, IL 60018-4696;  telephone (847) 294-7132;  fax
(847) 294-7834.
PREAMBLE 
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. propellers. This AD requires inspecting the propeller blades and other critical propeller parts for corrosion and mechanical damage. This AD results from two events where a "Z- shank" blade failed and separated and the results of teardown inspections that detected corrosion in the blade bore. We are issuing this AD to detect corrosion and mechanical damage that can cause failure of a propeller, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. 

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 14, 2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of October 14, 2005. 

ADDRESSES: You can get the service information identified in this AD from Hartzell Propeller Inc. Technical Publications Department, One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; telephone (937) 778-4200; fax (937) 778-4391. 

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Smyth, Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4696; telephone (847) 294- 7132; fax (847) 294-7834. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies to certain Hartzell Propeller Inc. propellers. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on December 29, 2004 (69 FR 77961). That action proposed to require inspecting the propeller blades and other critical propeller parts for corrosion and mechanical damage. 

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management System Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. 

Comments

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. 

Recommendation To Modify the AD To Exclude Certain Propellers

One commenter recommends that this AD be modified to exclude propellers that have been examined in connection with AD 95-11-08 within the last five years. The commenter feels his propeller has been adequately inspected and he does not want to remove the propeller at this time. Doing so could introduce potential oil leaks that are difficult and expensive to seal. 

We do not agree. AD 95-11-08 corrects an unsafe condition in blade clamp screws and on the outside surface of the blade shank. The requirements of that AD are not equivalent to the actions mandated by this AD. This AD mandates inspections of the entire propeller assembly, especially the inside surface area of the blade balance hole. 

Requests To Provide More Clarity in the Compliance Section

One commenter requests that we clarify the compliance section. We agree, and reworded it. We changed the title for Table 1 to "List of Applicable Propeller Assemblies by Hub Model Series". 

The same commenter suggests we should be more specific in detailing the inspection method in Table 3 if we intend a more thorough inspection. We agree. We have changed (b) in Table 3 to state "Perform visual and nondestructive inspections of propeller components for cracks, corrosion or pits, nicks, scratches, wear, blade minimum dimensions, and damage in the blade balance hole." 

The same commenter states that if the FAA intends to detect small or light cracks in the hub or blade clamps, we should consider adding the following text to Table 3, under the "Then:" column, under (c): "Perform a magnetic-particle-inspection of the hub and blade clamps for cracks". However, if the FAA intends to detect gross corrosion only, then the added wording in (c) is not needed. The commenter further states that although they support the need for a blade dimensional inspection, they suggest the FAA review the justification for this inspection. The commenter believes the FAA may find this inspection requirement not supportable by service events. 

We do not agree that (c) should be changed. Appropriate clarifying changes to Table 3, paragraph (b), as noted earlier, achieve the proper inspection. 

The same commenter suggests that the text to Table 3, under the "Then:" column, under (d) which reads "Repair and replace with serviceable parts, as necessary" be changed to "If any of these conditions are present, perform additional inspections, including magnetic particle or fluorescent-penetrant inspections as appropriate to determine the serviceability of the part". The commenter states that these inspections be specifically required when corrosion or other damage has been visually identified since cracks are more likely to start from these conditions, and the cracks are likely to be small and only detectable by magnetic particle or fluorescent-penetrant inspection. 

We do not agree that (d) should be changed. Appropriate clarifying changes to Table 3, paragraph (b), as noted earlier, achieve the proper inspection. 

Request for Repetitive Inspections

One commenter, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), states that it generally supports the proposed AD. However, the NTSB notes that the proposed AD only proposes a onetime inspection rather than a repetitive inspection. The commenter further states that although the proposed AD also includes a requirement to report inspection findings and indicates that we will use this information to determine whether repetitive inspections are in order, the NTSB continues to believe that repetitive inspections best reflect the manufacturer's inspection recommendations. These recommendations have been established in consideration of product design and service requirements. Therefore, the NTSB again urges us to require that these propellers be subject to repetitive inspections. 

We do not agree. Our review of the service history for the specified propellers supports the need for a onetime action, especially in light of the aging of the specified propeller fleet. As stated in the proposed AD, we will review the need for a repetitive inspection only if new reports submitted per the AD requirements, document the need to mandate a repetitive inspection. We encourage the public to comply with manufacturer's maintenance recommendations, but the public is only required to maintain their aircraft in accordance with 14 CFR part 91 requirements. 

Conclusion

We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. 

Costs of Compliance

There are about 1,700 Hartzell propeller assemblies of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. We estimate that 1,200 propeller assemblies installed on airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. We also estimate that it will take about 20 work hours per propeller assembly to perform the actions, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost about $450 per propeller assembly. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $2,100,000. 

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 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

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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]

2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: