[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 39 (Wednesday, February 27, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8910-8912]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-4587]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Models
MTV-9-B-C and MTV-3-B-C Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to MT-
Propeller Entwicklung GMBH models MTV-9-B-C and MTV-3-B-C propellers.
That AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of Torx
head blade root lag screws that are used on certain serial number (SN)
propellers and replacing all lag screws on the propeller if any screws
are found broken or with insufficient torque. In addition, that AD
currently requires replacing certain part number (P/N) Torx head blade
root lag screws with improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws.
This proposal would require the expansion of the applicability from
certain SN propellers to all propellers with certain SN blades that may
contain the suspect Torx head blade root lag screws. This proposal is
prompted by FAA awareness that a propeller hub of an affected propeller
could be changed, thereby changing the propeller serial number,
creating a propeller that is not listed in the AD and that has affected
blades and lag screws. The actions specified by the proposed AD are
intended to prevent failure of the blade root lag screw, which could
result in propeller blade separation and loss of control of the
airplane.
DATES: Comments must be received by April 29, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may be inspected at
this location, by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may also be sent via
the Internet using the following address: ``9-ane-adcomment@faa.gov''.
Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the
subject line.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 address: ``propeller@aol.com''. This information
may be examined, by appointment, at the FAA, New England Region, Office
of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Wayne E. Gaulzetti, Aerospace
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA
01803-5299; telephone (781) 238-7156, fax (781) 238-7199.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed 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 above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of
[[Page 8911]]
the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public
contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in
the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 99-NE-35-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRM's
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, New England Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803-5299.
Discussion
On June 23, 1999, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued
airworthiness directive (AD) 99-14-06, Amendment 39-11216 (64 FR 36777,
July 8, 1999), to require for certain serial number propellers, initial
and repetitive inspections of Torx head blade root lag screws for
torque values and breakage, and, if any screws are found broken or with
insufficient torque, replacement of all screws with new lag screws. In
addition, that AD requires replacement of certain model Torx head blade
root lag screws with improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws.
Since AD 99-14-06 was issued, a question from a repair facility to
the FAA brought to light that if a propeller hub of an affected
propeller were to be replaced, the propeller serial number would then
be different and, not necessarily on the list of affected propellers in
the AD. This would cause affected blades to be missed for inspections.
To eliminate this potential for blades not being inspected, this
proposal would require the same inspections as AD 99-14-06 but for all
model MTV-9-B-C propellers equipped with CL250-27, or CL260-27 blades
with S/N's starting with letter ``A'' through ``P'' and all model MTV-
3-B-C propellers equipped with S/N L250-21 blades with S/N's starting
with letter ``A'' through ``P''.
Manufacturer's Service Information
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH has issued Service Bulletin (SB) No.
17-A, dated March 5, 1999, that specifies procedures for inspections
for Torx head blade root lag screws for torque values and breakage, and
replacement of Torx head blade root lag screws, P/N A-550-85 (4mm
thread pitch), with improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws, P/N
A-983-85. The LBA classified this SB as mandatory and issued
airworthiness directives (AD's) 1999-081/2 and 1999-082/2 in order to
assure the airworthiness of these propellers in Germany.
Bilateral Agreement Information
This propeller model is manufactured in Germany and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 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.
Proposed Requirements of this AD
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, this proposal requires initial and repetitive
inspections of Torx head blade root lag screws for torque values and
breakage, and, if any screws are found with insufficient torque or are
broken, replacement of all screws with new lag screws. In addition,
this AD requires replacement of Torx head blade root lag screws, P/N A-
550-85 (4mm thread pitch), with improved, hexagonal head blade root lag
screws, P/N A-983-85. The actions would be required to be done in
accordance with the SB described previously.
Economic Analysis
There are approximately 250 propellers of the affected design in
the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 125 propellers installed on
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD. The
FAA also estimates that it would take approximately 13 work hours per
propeller to do the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate
is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $97,500.
Regulatory Analysis
This proposed rule does not have federalism implications, as
defined in Executive Order 13132, because it would 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.
Accordingly, the FAA has not consulted with state authorities prior to
publication of this proposed rule.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic effect,
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
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 39-11216, (64 FR
36777 July 8, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive:
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Docket No. 99-NE-35-AD. Supersedes AD
99-14-06, Amendment 39-11216.
Applicability: This airworthiness directive (AD) is applicable
to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-9-B-C propellers equipped
with CL250-27 or CL260-27 blades with serial numbers (SN's) starting
with letter ``A'' through ``P'', equipped with Torx head blade root
lag screws, part number (P/N) A-549-85 (3mm thread pitch), or P/N A-
550-85 (4mm thread pitch); and Model MTV-3-B-C propellers, equipped
with L250-21 blades with SN's starting with letter ``A'' through
``P'', equipped with Torx head blade root lag screws, P/N A-549-85
(3mm thread pitch),
[[Page 8912]]
or P/N A-550-85 (4mm thread pitch). These propellers are installed
on, but not limited to, Sukhoi SU-26, SU-29, SU-31; Yakovlev YAK-52,
YAK-54, YAK-55, and Technoavia SM-92 airplanes.
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 (d) 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 already done.
To prevent blade root lag screw breakage, which could result in
propeller blade separation and loss of control of the airplane, do
the following:
(a) For propellers with Torx head blade root lag screws, P/N A-
549-85 (3mm thread pitch), inspect Torx head blade root lag screws
for torque values and breakage in accordance with MT-Propeller
Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin (SB) No. 17-A, dated March 5,1999,
as follows:
(1) Initially inspect within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), or
within two months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first.
(2) Thereafter, inspect at intervals not to exceed 100 hours
TIS, or within 12 months, whichever occurs first.
(3) Before further flight, if any lag screws are found broken or
with torque less than 64 foot-pounds, replace all lag screws with
new lag screws.
(b) For propellers with lag screws, P/N A-550-85 (4mm thread
pitch), inspect lag screws for torque values and breakage in
accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB No. 17-A, dated
March 5,1999, as follows:
(1) Inspect within 50 hours TIS, or within two months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
(2) Before further flight, if any lag screws are found broken or
with torque less than 64 foot-pounds, replace all lag screws with
improved, hexagonal head blade root lag screws, P/N A-983-85. Torque
screws to 58-60 foot-pounds.
(c) Replace lag screws, P/N A-550-85, within 100 hours TIS, or
within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, with lag
screws, P/N A-983-85, in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung
GMBH SB No. 17-A, dated March 5, 1999. Torque screws to 58-60 foot-
pounds.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) 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 must 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.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be done.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on February 20, 2002.
Jay J. Pardee,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-4587 Filed 2-26-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U