[Federal Register: October 7, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 194)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 52225-52226] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07oc97-1] ======================================================================== Rules and Regulations Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510. The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each week. ======================================================================== [[Page 52225]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-10154, AD 97-21-01] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C Propellers AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C propellers. This action requires initial and repetitive dye penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework of the propeller hub or replacement with a new model propeller hub. This amendment is prompted by reports of cracks in the propeller flange area of the hub detected during overhaul. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft. DATES: Effective October 22, 1997. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of October 22, 1997. Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or before December 8, 1997. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: ``9-ad- engineprop@faa.dot.gov''. Comments sent via the Internet must contain the docket number in the subject line. The service information referenced in this AD 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: ``propeller@aol.com''. 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: Terry Fahr, Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803-5299; telephone (617) 238-7155, fax (617) 238-7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that an unsafe condition may exist on MT- Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/L250-21 propellers. The LBA advises that they have received reports of cracks in the propeller flange area of the hub detected during overhaul. The investigation revealed that the cracks were created due to high loads, such as those associated with aerobatic maneuvers. This condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft. MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH has issued (SB) No. 12A, dated July 17, 1997, that specifies procedures for dye penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and, if necessary, rework or replacement with serviceable parts. The LBA classified this SB as mandatory and issued AD 97-006/2 in order to assure the airworthiness of these propellers in Germany. This propeller model is manufactured in Germany and is 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. 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. 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, the AD will require initial and repetitive dye penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and, if necessary, rework or replacement with serviceable parts. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the SB 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 [[Page 52226]] 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 97-ANE-36-AD.'' 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: 97-21-01 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-10154. Docket 97-ANE-36-AD. Applicability: MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/ L250-21. These propellers are installed on but not limited to Sukhoi 29 aircraft. 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 (b) 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 accomplished previously. To prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller blade separation and possible loss of control of the aircraft, accomplish the following: (a) Perform initial and repetitive dye penetrant or eddy current inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, and rework propeller hub, Part Number (P/N) B-050, or replace with a propeller hub, P/N A-909-A, all in accordance with MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin (SB) No. 12A, dated July 17, 1997, as follows: (1) Within 50 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, perform the initial inspection. (2) Thereafter, inspect as follows: (i) For propellers with hubs, P/N B-050, inspect at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, or 6 months since last inspection, whichever occurs first. (ii) For propellers with hubs, P/N A-909-A, inspect at intervals not to exceed 200 hours TIS, or 12 months since last inspection, whichever occurs first. (3) Following inspection, if no cracks are found, and within 50 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, rework the existing propeller hub, P/N B-050, or install propeller hub, P/N A-909-A. (4) Following inspection, if cracks are found, prior to further flight remove the existing propeller hub, and replace with a serviceable propeller hub. (b) 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 shall 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. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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 inspection requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The actions required by this AD shall be performed in accordance with the following MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Document No. Pages Date ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12A............................... 1-3 July 17, 1997. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total pages: 3. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies 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: ``propeller@aol.com''. 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. (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 22, 1997. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 26, 1997. James C. Jones, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-26373 Filed 10-6-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P