Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C Propellers

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-ANE-36-AD; Amendment 39-11206; AD 97-21-01 R1]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model

MTV-3-B-C Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive

(AD), applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C

propellers, that currently 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 allows the repetitive dye penetrant

inspections to be performed on-wing as opposed to at approved propeller

repair stations, and to mark B-050 propeller hubs that have been

modified in accordance with

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the current AD or this revision. This amendment is prompted by issuance

of a revised service bulletin that describes procedures for on-wing

inspections. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect

and prevent propeller hub cracks, which could result in propeller blade

separation and possible loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 27, 1999.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of August 27, 1999.

ADDRESSES: 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: ``[email protected]''. This information may be

examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 12 New England Executive Park,

Burlington, MA; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW, 7th Floor, 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

(781) 238-7155, fax (781) 238-7199.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising airworthiness

directive (AD) 97-21-01, Amendment 39-62 FR 52225, October 7, 1997),

which is applicable to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C

propellers, was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 1998

(63 FR 66078). The action proposed to allow repetitive dye penetrant

inspections to be performed on-wing as opposed to at approved propeller

repair stations, and to mark B-050 propeller hubs that have been

modified in accordance with the current AD or this revised AD.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the

proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA

has determined that air safety and the public interest require the

adoption of the rule as proposed.

There are approximately 122 propellers of the affected design in

the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 57 propellers installed on

aircraft of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will

take approximately 5 work hours per propeller to accomplish the

required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.

Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $17,100.

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.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action

and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 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

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

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Amendment 39-10154 (62 FR

52225, October 7, 1997) and by adding a new airworthiness directive,

Amendment 39-11206, to read as follows:

97-21-01 R1 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH: Amendment 39-11206.

Docket 97-ANE-36-AD. Revises AD 97-21-01, Amendment 39-10154.

Applicability: MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Model MTV-3-B-C/

L250-21 propellers. 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 (c) 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 airplane,

accomplish the following:

(a) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective

date of this AD, accomplish the following:

(1) Perform an initial dye penetrant or eddy current inspection

of propeller hub, part number (P/N) B-050 or A-909-A, in accordance

with paragraph (a) of MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH Service Bulletin

(SB) No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998. The dye penetrant inspection may

be done on-wing, but the eddy current inspection must be performed

in an FAA-approved propeller repair station.

(2) If the propeller hub is found to be cracked, prior to

further flight, remove the existing propeller hub and replace with a

serviceable propeller hub.

(3) Rework propeller hubs, P/N B-050, by chamfering the hub bore

to 0.08 inch x 45 degrees (for further information, see Detail Y of

MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998). Mark

hubs that have been reworked in accordance with AD 97-21-01, or this

revised AD, with the letters SB12C using a metal impression stamp

(1/8 inch round bottom characters) above the propeller hub serial

number and part number, located in the transition area between

propeller blades 1 and 2 and the pitch change cylinder.

(b) Thereafter, perform dye penetrant or eddy current

inspections, in accordance with paragraph (a) of MT-Propeller

Entwicklung GMBH SB No. 12C, dated March 4, 1998. The dye penetrant

inspection may be done on-wing, but the eddy current inspection must

be performed in an FAA-approved propeller repair station:

(1) 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.

(2) 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) If the propeller hub is found to be cracked, prior to

further flight, remove the existing propeller hub and replace with a

serviceable propeller hub.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the

compliance time that

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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.

(d) 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.

(e) The actions required by this AD shall be accomplished in

accordance with the following MT-Propeller Entwicklung GMBH SB:

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Document No. Pages Date

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12C............................... 1-3 March 4, 1998.

Total pages: 3.

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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: ``[email protected]''.

Copies may be inspected at the FAA, New England Region, Office of

the Regional 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.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on August 27, 1999.

Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on June 16, 1999.

Jorge Fernandez,

Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 99-15924 Filed 6-25-99; 8:45 am]

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