[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 58 (Tuesday, March 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18255-18257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-06843]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0130; Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-07-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Propellers
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propeller models HC-(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-7, HC-
(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-8 and HC-(1, D)3(X, V, MV)20-8. This proposed AD
was prompted by failures of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm
and resulting engine oil leak. This proposed AD would require
replacement of the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm. We are
proposing this AD to prevent propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm
rupture, loss of engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 28, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Hartzell Propeller, Inc., 1 Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356; phone:
937-778-4200; email: [email protected]. You may view this
service information at the FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 781-238-7125.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Grace, Aerospace Engineer,
Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Propulsion Branch, 2300 E.
Devon Avenue, Des Planes, IL 60018; phone: 847-294-7377; fax: 847-294-
7834; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0130;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NE-07-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We received a report of Hartzell propeller failures of the variable
pitch
[[Page 18256]]
propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, part number (P/N) B-119-2,
without tab, resulting in engine oil leakage. The variable pitch
propeller control mechanism uses engine oil as a hydraulic fluid.
Failure of this bladder diaphragm results in engine oil loss with oil
covering the airplane windshield and may lead to uncommanded loss of
engine power. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of
engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We reviewed Hartzell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) HC-ASB-61-338,
Revision 1, dated December 18, 2012. The ASB lists the propeller hub
models that are affected and describes procedures for replacement of
propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm with a new propeller hydraulic
bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, with tab.
Hartzell Propeller has redesigned bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2,
to include a tab containing the bladder diaphragm batch/lot number. The
tab with batch/lot number is visible after installation. The old design
bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2 has no such tab.
FAA's Determination
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements
This proposed AD would require removing the old propeller hydraulic
bladder diaphragm and replacing it with the redesigned part.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Information
Hartzell ASB HC-ASB-61-338, Revision 1, dated December 18, 2012,
recommends replacement of all affected bladder diaphragms within 10
flight hours. This proposed AD would require replacement of affected
bladder diaphragms within 12 months of the effective date of the AD.
FAA risk analysis determined the 12 month period for compliance is
acceptable.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 400 propellers
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 4 hours per propeller to replace the bladder diaphragm. The
average labor rate is $85 per hour. We estimate parts costs at $53 per
engine. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD
on U.S. operators to be $157,200. Our cost estimate is exclusive of
possible warranty coverage.
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 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 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
(4) 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Hartzell Propeller, Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0130; Directorate
Identifier 2013-NE07-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by May 28, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propeller models HC-
(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-7, HC-(1, D)2(X, V, MV)20-8 and HC-(1, D)3(X, V,
MV)20-8 with a propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, part number
(P/N) B-119-2, without tab, installed.
(d) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by failures of the propeller hydraulic
bladder diaphragm and resulting engine oil leak. We are issuing this
AD to prevent propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm rupture, loss of
engine oil, damage to the engine, and loss of the airplane.
(e) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(f) Bladder Diaphragm Replacement
(1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove
from service the propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2,
without tab.
(2) Install a redesigned propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm,
P/N B-119-2, with tab. The bladder diaphragm, eligible for
installation, is identified by a tab with a batch/lot number. The
tab is visible after installation and confirms the installation of
the proper redesigned propeller hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-
119-2, with tab, in the Hartzell propeller assembly.
(g) Installation Prohibition
After the effective date of this AD, do not install into any
engine any hydraulic bladder diaphragm, P/N B-119-2, that is without
tab.
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19
to make your request.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Mark Grace,
Aerospace Engineer, Chicago Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 2300
E. Devon Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60018;
[[Page 18257]]
phone: 847-294-7377; fax: 847-294-7384; email: [email protected].
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Hartzell Propeller Inc., 1 Propeller Place, Piqua, OH 45356-2634;
phone: 937-778-4379; fax: 937-778-4391; email:
[email protected]. You may view this service information
at the FAA, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
781-238-7125.
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on March 19, 2013.
Colleen M. D'Alessandro,
Assistant Manager, Engine & Propeller Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-06843 Filed 3-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P