[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 239 (Wednesday, December 13, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74878-74880]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21184]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20856; Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-25-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) for certain MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH variable pitch
and fixed pitch propellers manufactured before 1995 which had not been
overhauled since April 1994. That AD currently requires overhauling the
propeller blades and performing initial and repetitive visual
inspections of affected propeller blades. That AD also requires
removing all propeller blades from service with damaged erosion sheath
bonding or loose erosion sheaths and installing any missing or damaged
polyurethane protective strips. This proposed AD would require the same
actions. This proposed AD results from the need to clarify the
population of affected propellers previously listed in AD 2006-05-05.
We are proposing this AD to prevent erosion sheath separation leading
to damage of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by February 12,
2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this
proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact MT-Propeller USA, Inc., 1180 Airport Terminal Drive,
Deland, FL 32724; telephone (386) 736-7762, fax (386) 736-7696 or visit
http://www.mt-propeller.com for the service information identified in
this proposed AD.
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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20856;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-25-AD'' in the subject line of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the
DMS Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments
received and any final disposition in person at the DMS Docket Office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
On February 24, 2006, we issued AD 2006-05-05, Amendment 39-14502
(71 FR 11151, March 6, 2006). That AD requires overhaul of models MT,
MTV-1, MTV-2, MTV-3, MTV-5, MTV-6, MTV-7, MTV-9, MTV-10, MTV-11, MTV-
12, MTV-14, MTV-15, MTV-17, MTV-18, MTV-20, MTV-21, MTV-22, MTV-24, and
MTV-25 propellers with serial numbers (SNs) below 95000, which had not
been overhauled since April 1994, within 30 days after the effective
date of the AD. That action also required performing initial and
repetitive visual inspections of those propeller blades. That action
also required removing all propeller blades from service with damaged
erosion sheath bonding or loose erosion sheaths and to install any
missing or damaged polyurethane protective strips. The European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the airworthiness authority for
the European Union, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH propellers.
Actions Since AD 2006-05-05 Was Issued
Since AD 2006-05-05 was issued, MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
Propellers and EASA have clarified the population of affected
propellers. AD 2006-05-05 described the affected propellers as variable
pitch and fixed pitch propellers with serial numbers (SNs) below 95000.
Because propellers with SNs starting with 00, 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, and
06, were manufactured in the years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
and 2006 respectively, some operators are confused as to whether their
propeller SN is part of the affected population. For example, propeller
SN 00246, manufactured in 2000, would appear to be part of the affected
population because the number is below 95000. For clarification, we are
proposing to identify the affected population as variable pitch and
fixed pitch propellers manufactured before
[[Page 74879]]
1995 which had not been overhauled since April 1994. Also, since AD
2006-05-05 was issued, we discovered that propeller model MTV-25 was
erroneously listed in the AD.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of MT-
Propeller Service Bulletin (SB) No. 8B, dated March 8, 2006, which
lists the affected propeller population as models MT, MTV-1, MTV-2,
MTV-3, MTV-5, MTV-6, MTV-7, MTV-9, MTV-10, MTV-11, MTV-12, MTV-14, MTV-
15, MTV-17, MTV-18, MTV-20, MTV-21, MTV-22, and MTV-24 propellers,
manufactured before 1995 which have not been overhauled since April
1994. This SB describes the visual inspections, removals, and
installations proposed by this AD. EASA classified this SB as mandatory
and issued AD No. 2006-0345, dated November 14, 2006, in order to
ensure the airworthiness of these MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
propellers in Europe.
Bilateral Agreement Information
These propeller models are manufactured in Germany and are 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. Under this bilateral
airworthiness agreement, EASA kept us informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the findings of EASA, 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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require
you to:
Overhaul all installed propeller blades of propellers
listed in the applicability, within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, unless previously done per AD 2006-05-05.
Visually inspect certain MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
variable pitch and fixed pitch propellers manufactured before 1995.
Remove from service, certain MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
variable pitch and fixed pitch propellers manufactured before 1995 if
the propeller blades have damaged erosion sheath bonding or loose
erosion sheaths.
Install polyurethane protective strips onto propeller
blades that are missing these strips or have damaged strips.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that 103 of these MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH
variable pitch and fixed pitch propellers installed on aircraft of U.S.
registry would be affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate that
it would take about 2 work-hours to inspect and install the
polyurethane protective strip of each affected propeller, and 4 work-
hours to remove a propeller requiring overhaul. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Required parts to inspect and install the
polyurethane protective strip of each affected propeller would cost
about $20. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the
proposed AD to U.S. operators, to inspect and install protective strips
to be $18,540.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. Would 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-14502 (71 FR
11151, March 6, 2006) and by adding a new airworthiness directive, to
read as follows:
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2005-20856;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NE-25-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by February 12,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-05-05.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH, models MT,
MTV-1, MTV-2, MTV-3, MTV-5, MTV-6, MTV-7, MTV-9, MTV-10, MTV-11,
MTV-12, MTV-14, MTV-15, MTV-17, MTV-18, MTV-20, MTV-21, MTV-22, and
MTV-24 propellers manufactured before 1995 which have not been
overhauled since April 1994. These propellers may be installed on,
but not limited to, Apex ATL, Apex DR400, EADS Socata Rallye, Extra
EA-300, Piper PA-46, Rene Fournier RF4, Sukhoi SU-26, SU-29, and SU-
31; Yakovlev YAK-52, YAK-54, and YAK-55; and Technoavia SM-92
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from the need to clarify the population of
affected propellers previously listed in AD 2006-05-05. We are
issuing this AD to prevent erosion sheath separation leading to
damage of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within
[[Page 74880]]
the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been
done.
Note 1: Information about inspection procedures and acceptable
limits can be found in Table 1 of this AD.
Overhaul of Propeller Blades
(f) Overhaul all installed propeller blades of propellers listed
in the applicability, within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, unless previously done per AD 2006-05-05.
Initial Visual Inspection of the Propeller Blade
(g) During the next preflight inspection or 100-hour inspection,
whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD, inspect
all MT and MTV propellers by doing the following:
(1) Determine if the erosion sheath of any propeller blade is
cracked or loose; and
(2) Determine if any propeller blade has other damage out of
acceptable limits.
(3) Before the next flight, remove from service those propeller
blades with a cracked or loose erosion sheath, or other damage
affecting airworthiness.
Table 1.--Service Information
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See Operation and Installation
For Propeller Model . . . Manual . . .
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MT..................................... No. E-112, issued Nov. 1993 or
later.
MTV-1, MTV-7, MTV-10, MTV-17, MTV-18, No. E-118, issued March 1994 or
MTV-20. later
MTV-5, MTV-6, MTV-9, MTV-11, MTV-12, No. E-124, issued March 1994 or
MTV-14, MTV-15, MTV-21, MTV-22, MTV-25. later.
MTV-2, MTV-3........................... No. E-148, issued March 1994 or
later.
MTV-24................................. No. E-309, issued March 1994 or
later.
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Initial Visual Inspection of the Propeller Blade Polyurethane Strip
(h) During the next pilot's preflight inspection after the
effective date of this AD, if the polyurethane protective strip on
the leading edge of the inner portion of the blade is found to be
damaged or missing, the polyurethane protective strip must be
replaced or installed within 10 flight hours. If electrical de-icing
boots are installed, no polyurethane protective strips are required.
Repetitive Visual Inspection of the Propeller Blade
(i) If after the effective date of this AD, any propeller blade
erosion sheath found to be cracked or loose during the pilot's
preflight inspection, or 100-hour inspection, or annual inspection,
must be repaired, replaced, or overhauled before the next flight.
Repetitive Visual Inspection of the Propeller Blade Polyurethane Strip
(j) If after the effective date of this AD, any propeller blade
polyurethane protective strip found to be damaged or missing during
the pilot's preflight inspection, or 100-hour inspection, or annual
inspection, must be replaced or installed within 10 flight hours. If
electrical de-icing boots are installed, polyurethane protective
strips are not required.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(k) 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.
Special Flight Permits
(l) Special flight permits are prohibited.
Related Information
(m) MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH, Service Bulletin No. 8B,
dated March 8, 2006, pertains to the subject of this AD. European
Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2006-0345, dated November 14, 2006,
also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 6, 2006.
Diane Cook,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-21184 Filed 12-12-06; 8:45 am]
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