In December, 1999, an FAA approved repair station found a crack in the camber side of a propeller blade during a dye penetrant inspection. The dye penetrant inspection was being done as part of an overhaul. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the propeller blade, which can result in loss of control of the airplane.
Manufacturer's Service Documentation
The FAA has reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 234, dated May 1, 2000. That ASB describes procedures for eddy current and dye penetrant inspections of the camber side of the propeller blade, and procedures for the evaluation of suspect indications.
Actions Required by this AD
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other McCauley Propeller Systems 4HFR34C653/L106FA-0 model propellers of the same type design, this AD is being issued to detect cracks that could cause failure of the propeller blade, which can result in loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires one-time and repetitive eddy current inspections or dye penetrant inspections of the camber side of any propeller blade that is installed on, or has at any time been installed on, Jetstream series 3200 airplanes. The inspection requirements and the qualification requirements for the test technicians are based on the criticality of the potential failure condition. These same actions are required to be done on propellers that are installed on Ayres S2R-G5 and S2R-G10 airplanes, if the propeller was previously installed on Jetstream Series 3200 airplanes, or if the installation history of the propeller is unknown. The inspections must be done within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and, thereafter, every 600 flight hours after the last inspection. The inspections must beaccomplished in accordance with the ASB described previously.
Immediate Adoption of this AD
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 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 2000-NE-17-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.Regulatory Impact
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.
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.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: