04-13145. Airworthiness Directives; Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (Formerly Hamilton Standard Division) Model 568F Propellers  

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    AGENCY:

    Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

    ACTION:

    Final rule.

    SUMMARY:

    The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial-numbered propeller blades installed in Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (formerly Hamilton Standard Division) 568F propellers. This AD requires replacement of propeller blades, part numbers (P/Ns) R815505-3 and R815505-4 that have a serial number (SN) of FR1699 to FR20021010, with serviceable blades. This AD results from reports of these composite propeller blades found at inspection, with random areas of Start Printed Page 32856missing adhesive under the compression wrap, which exposed the steel tulip part of the blade. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade failure due to corrosion-induced fatigue, which could result in blade separation and possible loss of airplane control.

    DATES:

    This AD becomes effective July 19, 2004.

    ADDRESSES:

    You can get the service information identified in this AD from Hamilton Sundstrand, A United Technologies Company, Publications Manager, Mail Stop 2AM-EE50, One Hamilton Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096.

    You may examine the AD docket, at the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.

    Start Further Info

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

    Frank Walsh, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7158; fax (781) 238-7170.

    End Further Info End Preamble Start Supplemental Information

    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 with a proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The proposed AD applies to certain serial-numbered propeller blades installed in Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (formerly Hamilton Standard Division) 568F propellers. We published the proposed AD in the Federal Register on December 2, 2003 (68 FR 67385). That action proposed to require replacement of propeller blades, P/Ns R815505-3 and R815505-4 that have a SN of FR1699 to FR20021010, with serviceable blades.

    Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.

    Comments

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

    One commenter requests that the Cost of Compliance statement be clarified to indicate that the blade removal cost is for AD compliance only. The commenter has concerns regarding potential liabilities for the worldwide fleet if the AD does not distinguish between the removals for normally scheduled maintenance and unscheduled removals for AD compliance.

    The FAA agrees in part. We have clarified the Cost of Compliance statement in the AD to reflect removals for this AD. We do not agree with including worldwide costs in this AD because worldwide costs are not within the scope of the FAA authority.

    Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comment 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

    We estimate that 24 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation 568F propellers with suspect blades installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD. We estimate it will take about 4 work hours per propeller to remove and replace suspect blades, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total labor cost of the AD to U.S. operators to be $6,240.

    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 by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include “AD Docket No. 2003-NE-48-AD” in your request.

    Start List of Subjects

    List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    • Air transportation
    • Aircraft
    • Aviation safety
    • Safety
    End List of Subjects

    Adoption of the Amendment

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

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    PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

    End Authority
    [Amended]
    Start Amendment Part

    2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

    End Amendment Part

    2004-12-10 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (formerly Hamilton Standard Division): Amendment 39-13669. Docket No. 2003-NE-48-AD.

    Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective July 19, 2004.

    Affected ADs

    (b) None.

    Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation (formerly Hamilton Standard Division) 568F propellers with propeller blades, part numbers (P/Ns) R815505-3 and R815505-4, serial numbers (SNs) FR1699 through FR2625 inclusive (877 blades), and SNs FR20010610 through FR20021010 inclusive (713 blades), installed. These composite propeller blades are installed on, but not limited to, Aerospatiale ATR42-400, ATR42-500, ATR72-212, and ATR72-500 airplanes.

    Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of propeller blades found at inspection, with random areas of missing adhesive under the compression wrap, which exposed the steel tulip part of the blade. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller blade failure due to corrosion-induced fatigue, which could result in blade separation and possible loss of airplane control.

    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.

    Removal From Service of Affected Propeller Blades

    (f) Remove propeller blades, P/Ns R815505-3 and R815505-4 from service as follows:

    (1) Blades listed by SN in the following Table 1 of this AD must be removed no later than the date listed in Table 1 of this AD. See Table 2 of this AD for blade SNs that are excluded from the compliance times specified in Table 1 of this AD.

    (2) Remove the blades that are listed by SN in Table 2 of this AD no later than December 31, 2007.

    (3) In some instances, an “RT” reference immediately follows the numeric portion of the serial number on the blade. For purposes of this AD, the “RT” reference has been Start Printed Page 32857omitted when specifying affected serial numbers.

    Table 1.—Propeller Blade Removal Schedule

    For propeller blades SNs:Remove propeller blades from service for rework, no later than:
    FR1699 through FR1765December 31, 2003.
    FR1766 through FR1776March 31, 2004.
    FR1777 through FR1855June 30, 2004.
    FR1856 through FR1956September 30, 2004.
    FR1957 through FR2132December 31, 2004.
    FR2133 through FR2230March 31, 2005.
    FR2231 through FR2315June 30, 2005.
    FR2316 through FR2390September 30, 2005.
    FR2391 through FR2433December 31, 2005.
    FR2434 through FR2553March 31, 2006.
    FR2554 through FR2625June 30, 2006.
    FR20010610 through FR20010729June 30, 2006
    FR20010730 through FR20011018September 30, 2006.
    FR20011019 through FR20011218December 31, 2006.
    FR20011219 through FR20020511March 31, 2007.
    FR20020512 through FR20020757June 30, 2007.
    FR20020758 through FR20020842September 30, 2007.
    FR20020843 through FR20021010December 31, 2007.

    Table 2.—Blade SNs Excluded From Table 1

    FR1720FR1887FR1962FR2163
    FR1740FR1888FR1963FR2164
    FR1742FR1889FR2013FR2165
    FR1752FR1892FR2022FR2166
    FR1777FR1893FR2032FR2167
    FR1791FR1927FR2037FR2168
    FR1796FR1928FR2038FR2173
    FR1841FR1929FR2039FR2177
    FR1843FR1930FR2047FR2179
    FR1858FR1931FR2058FR2180
    FR1860FR1932FR2059FR2183
    FR1865FR1933FR2060FR2204
    FR1869FR1934FR2063FR2205
    FR1871FR1935FR2064FR2206
    FR1872FR1936FR2067FR2207
    FR1873FR1937FR2068FR2208
    FR1874FR1938FR2099FR2233
    FR1875FR1942FR2108FR2234
    FR1877FR1943FR2134FR2467
    FR1878FR1957FR2135FR20010626
    FR1879FR1960FR2136FR20010936
    FR1880FR1961FR2137FR20011218

    Installation of Propeller Blades that have a SN Listed in Table 1 or Table 2 of this AD

    (g) After the effective date of this AD, do not install any blade that has P/N R815505-3 or R815505-4 and SN listed in Table 1 or Table 2 of this AD, and that has exceeded the date for replacement.

    Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h) 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.

    Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) None.

    Related Information

    (j) Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin No. 568F-61-A45, Revision 1, dated October 7, 2003, provides information to rework and remark the affected blades for return to service.

    Start Signature

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 1, 2004.

    Francis A. Favara,

    Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

    End Signature End Supplemental Information

    [FR Doc. 04-13145 Filed 6-10-04; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Document Information

Effective Date:
7/19/2004
Published:
06/14/2004
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
04-13145
Dates:
This AD becomes effective July 19, 2004.
Pages:
32855-32857 (3 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 2003-NE-48-AD, Amendment 39-13669, AD 2004-12-10
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
Topics:
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety
PDF File:
04-13145.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13