[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 18 (Wednesday, January 28, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4160-4161]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1742]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-ANE-35-AD; Amendment 39-10289; AD 98-02-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-
3(A,I) 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 Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I)
propellers. This action requires replacing propeller blade
counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts. This amendment is
prompted by reports of a manufacturing defect in the counterweight
clamp bolts that resulted in the blade counterweight separating and
causing damage to the propeller. The actions specified in this AD are
intended to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result
in propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller
and aircraft.
DATES: Effective February 12, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 12, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before March 30, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-35-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent
via the Internet using the following address: ``engineprop@faa.dot.gov''. 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
Hartzell Propeller Inc., One Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634,
ATTN: Product Support; telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321.
This information may be examined at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Regional 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: Tomaso DiPaolo, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847) 294-7031,
fax (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has received a report that a Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-
3(A,I) propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt broke, the propeller
blade counterweight separated in flight and damaged the adjacent
propeller blade (about 12 inches from the hub). The investigation
revealed that the propeller blade counterweight clamp bolt failure was
caused by a manufacturing defect known as liquid metal embrittlement.
The manufacturer has informed the FAA that all propellers operated on
aircraft of U.S. registry have accomplished the required actions, and,
therefore, are no longer affected by this unsafe condition. This AD,
then, is necessary to require accomplishment of the required actions
for propellers installed on aircraft currently of foreign registry that
may some day be imported into the U.S. Accordingly, the FAA has
determined that notice and prior opportunity for comment are
unnecessary and good cause exists for making this amendment effective
in less than 30 days. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in propeller blade
counterweight separation and damage to the propeller and aircraft.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of
Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service Bulletin (ASB) No. HC-ASB-61-219,
Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996, that describes procedures for replacing
propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with improved bolts.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design, this AD
is being issued to prevent counterweight clamp bolt failure. This AD
requires replacing propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with
improved bolts. The actions are required to be accomplished in
accordance with the SB 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.
[[Page 4161]]
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-35-AD.'' 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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-02-07 Hartzell Propeller Inc.: Amendment 39-10289. Docket 97-
ANE-35-AD.
Applicability: Hartzell Propeller Inc. Model HC-E4A-3(A,I)
propellers with serial numbers HJ1 to HJ654, installed on but not
limited to Raytheon Beech 1900D series aircraft.
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 counterweight clamp bolt failure, which can result in
propeller blade counterweight separation and damage to the propeller
and aircraft, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 45 days or 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the
effective date of the AD, whichever occurs first, identify and
replace defective propeller blade counterweight clamp bolts with
improved bolts in accordance with Hartzell Propeller Inc. Service
Bulletin (ASB) No. HCA-SB-61-219, Revision 1, dated July 2, 1996.
(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. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate
FAA Principal 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 requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(d) The actions required by this AD shall be done in accordance
with the following Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB:
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Document No. Pages Revision Date
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HC-ASB-61-219..................... 1-8 1 July 2, 1996.
Total pages: 8.
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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 Hartzell Propeller Inc., One
Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634, ATTN: Product Support;
telephone (937) 778-4200, fax (937) 778-4321. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional
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 becomes effective on February 12, 1998.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on January 9, 1998.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1742 Filed 1-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U
