[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52225-52226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26373]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 7, 1997 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 52225]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-10154, AD 97-21-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model
MTV-3-B-C 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 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C
propellers. This action requires initial and repetitive dye penetrant
or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework
of the propeller hub or replacement with a new model propeller hub.
This amendment is prompted by reports of cracks in the propeller flange
area of the hub detected during overhaul. The actions specified in this
AD are intended to prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in
propeller blade separation and possible loss of control of the
aircraft.
DATES: Effective October 22, 1997.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 22, 1997.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 8, 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-36-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
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH, Airport Straubing-Wallmuhle, D-94348
Atting, Germany; telephone (0 94 29) 84 33, fax (0 94 29) 84 32,
Internet: propeller@aol.com''. 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: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone
(617) 238-7155, fax (617) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the
airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe condition may exist on MT-
Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/L250-21 propellers. The LBA
advises that they have received reports of cracks in the propeller
flange area of the hub detected during overhaul. The investigation
revealed that the cracks were created due to high loads, such as those
associated with aerobatic maneuvers. This condition, if not corrected,
could result in propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller
blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft.
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH has issued (SB) No. 12A, dated July
17, 1997, that specifies procedures for dye penetrant or eddy current
inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and, if necessary, rework
or replacement with serviceable parts. The LBA classified this SB as
mandatory and issued AD 97-006/2 in order to assure the airworthiness
of these propellers in Germany.
This propeller model is manufactured in Germany and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the
LBA, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other propellers of the same type design registered
in the United States, the AD will require initial and repetitive dye
penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub,
and, if necessary, rework or replacement with serviceable parts. The
actions would be 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.
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
[[Page 52226]]
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-36-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:
97-21-01 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-10154. Docket
97-ANE-36-AD.
Applicability: MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/
L250-21. These propellers are installed on but not limited to Sukhoi
29 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 propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller
blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft,
accomplish the following:
(a) Perform initial and repetitive dye penetrant or eddy current
inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework propeller
hub, Part Number (P/N) B-050, or replace with a propeller hub, P/N
A-909-A, all in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 12A, dated July 17, 1997, as follows:
(1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective
date of this AD, perform the initial inspection.
(2) Thereafter, inspect as follows:
(i) For propellers with hubs, P/N B-050, inspect at intervals
not to exceed 50 hours TIS, or 6 months since last inspection,
whichever occurs first.
(ii) For propellers with hubs, P/N A-909-A, inspect at intervals
not to exceed 200 hours TIS, or 12 months since last inspection,
whichever occurs first.
(3) Following inspection, if no cracks are found, and within 50
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, rework the existing
propeller hub, P/N B-050, or install propeller hub, P/N A-909-A.
(4) Following inspection, if cracks are found, prior to further
flight remove the existing propeller hub, and replace with a
serviceable propeller hub.
(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, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate
FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to
the Manager, Boston 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 Boston 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 performed in
accordance with the following MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB:
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Document No. Pages Date
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12A............................... 1-3 July 17, 1997.
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Total pages: 3.
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 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH,
Airport Straubing-Wallmuhle, D-94348 Atting, Germany; telephone (0
94 29) 84 33, fax (0 94 29) 84 32, Internet: propeller@aol.com''.
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 becomes effective on October 22, 1997.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1997.
James C. Jones,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-26373 Filed 10-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
