[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 72 (Friday, April 12, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16226-16229]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-8951]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-ANE-47; Amendment 39-9566; AD 95-24-05 R1]
Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna
Aircraft Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93
Series Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93 series
propellers, that currently requires initial and repetitive visual and
dye penetrant inspections of the propeller hub for cracks. This
existing AD also requires a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks
in the threaded areas of the propeller hub followed by modification of
the hub to contain oil with red dye as a terminating action to the
repetitive inspections. This amendment clarifies that a dye penetrant
inspection is only necessary if crack indications are found or
suspected during the visual inspection. This amendment is prompted by
requests from operators for clarification of inspection procedures. The
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent propeller blade
separation due to a cracked propeller hub, which could result in
separation of the engine from the aircraft and subsequent loss of
aircraft control.
DATES: Effective April 12, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations was approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 18, 1995. (60 FR 61645, December 1, 1995).
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before June 11, 1996.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-ANE-47, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, 3535 McCauley
Dr., Vandalia, OH 45377-0430; telephone (513) 890-5246, fax (513) 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: Patricia Bonnen, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate,
2300 East Devon Ave., Room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847)
294-7134, fax (847) 294-7834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 7, 1995, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) issued AD 95-24-05, Amendment 39-9437 (60 FR
61645, December 1, 1995), applicable to McCauley Accessory Division,
The Cessna Aircraft Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87,
C92, and C93 series propellers, to require initial and repetitive
visual and dye penetrant inspections of the propeller hub for cracks.
That AD also requires a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks in
the threaded areas of the propeller hub followed by modification of the
hub to contain oil with red dye, which constitutes terminating action
to the repetitive visual and dye-penetrant inspections. That action was
prompted by several reports of cracked propeller hubs. Additionally,
two incidents have occurred where the propeller blades separated during
flight. That condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller
blade separation due to a cracked propeller hub, which could result in
separation of the engine from the aircraft and subsequent loss of
aircraft control.
Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has received requests from
[[Page 16227]]
operators for clarification of inspection procedures. The AD as
currently written could be interpreted to mean that both visual and dye
penetrant inspections must be performed concurrently. As McCauley
Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, Service Bulletin (SB)
No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994, states, dye penetrant inspection is
only necessary if crack indications are found or suspected during the
visual inspection. This revised AD clarifies the inspection procedures
to show that the dye penetrant inspection need not be performed
concurrently with the visual inspection, but sequentially, and only if
the visual inspection reveals actual or suspected crack indications.
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of the
following service documents: McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna
Aircraft Company, SB No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994, that describes
procedures for an initial and repetitive visual and dye penetrant
inspections of propeller hubs for cracks; and McCauley Service Letter
(SL) No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995, that describes procedures for
eddy current inspection for cracks in the threaded areas of the
propeller hub and modification of the hub to contain oil with red dye,
which provides a built-in means of crack detection, as well as improved
lubrication and corrosion protection.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other propellers of this same type design, this AD
revises AD 95-24-05 to clarify that a dye penetrant inspection is only
necessary if crack indications are found or suspected during the visual
inspection. The other requirements of AD 95-24-05 remain unchanged. The
actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service
documents 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 94-ANE-47.'' 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 removing Amendment 39-9437 (60 FR
61645, December 1, 1995) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,
Amendment 39-9566, to read as follows:
95-24-05 R1 McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company: Amendment 39-95-24-05R1. Docket 94-ANE-47. Revises AD 95-
24-05, Amendment 39-9437.
Applicability: McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company, Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93
series propellers, incorporating the following Hub Models:
D3AF32C35-( )
3AF32C72-( )
3AF34C74-( )
3AF32C75-( )
D3AF32C80-( )
3AF34C86-( )
3AF32C87-( )
D3AF32C87-( )
3AF34C92-( )
3AF32C93-( )
The parentheses used in the above list indicate the presence or
absence of an additional letter(s) which vary the basic propeller
hub model designation. These letter(s) define minor changes that do
not affect interchangeability or eligibility, and therefore, this
airworthiness directive (AD) still applies regardless of whether
these letters are present or absent on the propeller hub model
designation.
These propellers are installed on but not limited to the
following aircraft:
Beech 58, 58A, 95-C55, -C55A, -D55, -D55A, -E55, -E55A.
British Aerospace B-206 Series 2.
Cessna 310K, 310L, 310N, 310P, 310Q, 310R, T310P, T310Q, T310R,
320D, 320E, 320F, 335, 340, 340A, 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B,
402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B.
Colemill Executive 600 (Conversion of Cessna 310I, 310J, 310K,
310L, 310N).
RAM Conversion of Cessna 340.
Note 1: The above is not an exhaustive list of aircraft which
may contain the affected
[[Page 16228]]
McCauley Model C35, C72, C74, C75, C80, C86, C87, C92, and C93
series propellers, incorporating Models D3AF32C35, 3AF32C72,
3AF34C74, 3AF32C75, D3AF32C80, 3AF34C86, 3AF32C87, D3AF32C87,
3AF34C92, and 3AF32C93 propeller hubs because of installation
approvals made by Supplemental Type Certificate or Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) Form 337 ``Major Repair and Alteration,'' etc.
It is the responsibility of the owner, operator and person returning
the aircraft to service to determine if an aircraft has an affected
propeller.
Note 2: This 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 use the authority
provided in paragraph (g) to request approval from the FAA. This
approval may address either no action, if the current configuration
eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to
address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request
should include an assessment of the effect of the changed
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair
remove any propeller from the applicability of this AD.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent propeller blade separation due to a cracked propeller
hub, which could result in separation of the engine from the
aircraft and subsequent loss of aircraft control, accomplish the
following:
(a) Within the next 25 hours time in service (TIS) after
December 18, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-24-05), unless
already accomplished within the last 35 hours TIS, and thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 60 hours TIS, perform a visual inspection
for cracks and, if crack indications are found or suspected, confirm
cracks by a dye penetrant inspection on propeller hubs in accordance
with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company,
Service Bulletin (SB) No. 200C, dated January 20, 1994. Any
propeller hubs found cracked during this inspection are to be
permanently retired from service and replaced with a serviceable hub
modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD, or with an
equivalent initial production propeller which has incorporated a hub
containing oil with red dye.
(b) For affected propellers identified with the change letter
``R'' following the hub model designation and having an oil-fill
plug in the side of the hub, compliance is required only with
paragraphs (d) and (f) of this AD.
(c) Perform a one-time eddy current inspection and modify
serviceable propeller hubs in accordance with the following schedule
and requirements:
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Propeller time-in-service (TIS) on the
effective date of this AD Compliance required
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Greater than 900 hours or 59 calendar Within the next 300 hours or
months since last overhaul/penetrant at the next annual
inspection or installed new, or prior TIS inspection or by December
unknown. 31, 1996, whichever occurs
first.
Less than or equal to both 900 hours and Prior to the accumulation of
59 calendar months since last overhaul/ 1,200 hours or 60 calendar
penetrant inspection or installed new. months since last overhaul/
penetrant inspection or
installed new, whichever
occurs first.
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(1) Perform a one-time eddy current inspection for cracks in the
threaded areas of the propeller hubs in accordance with McCauley
Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, Service Letter (SL)
No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995.
(2) Any propeller hubs found cracked during the eddy current
inspection are to be permanently retired from service and replaced
with a serviceable hub modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD, or with an equivalent initial production propeller which
has incorporated a hub containing oil with red dye.
(3) Modify affected propeller hubs to contain oil with red dye,
in accordance with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company, SL No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995. Completion of this
modification of the hub to contain oil with red dye constitutes
terminating action to the repetitive inspections required by
paragraph (a) of this AD.
Note: The modification of the propeller hub assembly to contain
oil with a red dye provides an ``on-condition'' (in- service) means
of early crack detection of the propeller assembly and also improves
lubrication and corrosion protection. The oil will add approximately
4.0 lbs. to the weight of the propeller assembly.
(4) Previous compliance with McCauley Accessory Division, SL
1993-11, dated September 15, 1993, also constitutes compliance with
paragraphs (a) and (c) of this AD.
(5) Install Decal-Warning ``Oil Filled'', part number B-6493, in
accordance with McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company, SL No. 1993-11A, dated June 20, 1995, Figure F-9.
(d) If leakage of oil containing red dye is detected in service
(whether during flight or while on the ground), determine, prior to
further flight, the source of leakage in accordance with the
procedures specified in Section A-7 of McCauley SL No. 1993-11A,
dated June 20, 1995. Remove from service, prior to further flight,
propeller assemblies that exhibit cracks and replace with a
serviceable unit, modified in accordance with paragraph (c) of this
AD, or with an equivalent initial production propeller that has
incorporated a hub containing oil with red dye. Oil-filled
propellers are identified with the change letter ``R'' following the
Hub Model Designation and have an oil-fill plug in the side of the
hub.
(e) The ``calendar month'' compliance times stated in this AD
allow the performance of the required action up to the last day of
the month in which compliance is required. For example, a required
eddy current inspection and modification 60 calendar months from
last overhaul/penetrant inspection that was performed on December
15, 1991, would allow the eddy current inspection and modification
to be performed no later than December 31, 1996.
(f) Report in writing any cracks found during the accomplishment
of paragraphs (a), (c) or (d) of this AD to the Manager, Chicago
Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 2300
East Devon Avenue, Room 232, Des Plaines, IL 60018; telephone (847)
294-7134, fax (847) 294-7834, within 10 days of the inspection.
Information collection requirements contained in the regulation have
been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-511) and
has been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(g) 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: 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.
(h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
Secs. 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.
(i) The inspections and modification required by this AD shall
be done in accordance with the following McCauley Accessory
Division, The Cessna Aircraft Company, service documents:
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Document No. Pages Date
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SB 200C............................ 1-4 Jan. 20, 1994.
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Total pages: 4
SL 1993-11A:
Cover Page......................... 1 June 20, 1995.
Section A........................ 1-4 June 20, 1995.
Section B........................ 1 June 20, 1995.
Section C........................ 1 June 20, 1995.
Section D........................ 1-7 June 20, 1995.
Section E........................ 1-10 June 20, 1995.
Section F........................ 1-15 June 20, 1995.
Section G........................ 1 June 20, 1995.
Section H........................ 1-4 June 20, 1995.
Section I........................ 1-4 June 20, 1995.
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Total pages: 48
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal
[[Page 16229]]
Register as of December 18, 1995. (60 FR 61645, December 1, 1995) in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be
obtained from McCauley Accessory Division, The Cessna Aircraft
Company, 3535 McCauley Dr., Vandalia, OH 45377-0430; 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.
(j) This amendment becomes effective on April 12, 1996.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1996.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-8951 Filed 4-11-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
