On October 4, 2004, the FAA issued AD 2004- 21-01, Amendment 39-13822 (69 FR 62179, October 25, 2004). That AD requires initial and repetitive torque check inspections on the mounting bolts on certain model Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-B5MP- 3( )/M10282A( )+6 five-bladed propellers, and replacement of mounting bolts if necessary. That AD also reduces compliance time from the previous AD, for the initial inspection on certain Short Brothers Ltd. Model SD3-30 airplanes to before further flight and within 100 hours time-in-service for propellers installed on certain Aerospatiale (Nord) Model 262A airplanes. That AD also requires repetitive torque check inspections of mounting bolts at reduced intervals from the previous AD, on Model SD3- 30 airplanes, and requires additional visual inspections of mounting flanges, threads in hub bolt holes, and replacement of mounting bolts and hubs, if necessary. That AD resulted from four reports in the previous 12 monthsof eleven cracked or failed propeller mounting bolts on Short Brothers Model SD3-30 airplanes. That condition, if not corrected, could result in propeller separation from the airplane.
Actions Since AD 2004-21-01 Was Issued
Since AD 2004-21-01 was issued, Hartzell Propeller Inc. reviewed the propeller mounting flange loads for all similar installations, including airplanes listed in Hartzell Propeller Inc. Alert Service Bulletin (SB) No. A203A, which is incorporated by reference in the previous AD, AD 2004-21-01. Hartzell Propeller Inc. has now addressed all of the propeller models on affected airplanes in a later service bulletin, including those airplanes that generate higher propeller loads during normal flight operations.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell Propeller Inc. SB No. HC-SB-61-275, dated June 2, 2005. That SB describes procedures for performing initial and repetitive torque inspections of propeller mounting bolts, initial and repetitive inspections of the propeller mounting flange and engine mounting flange, and resurfacing of the flanges if necessary.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-B5MP-3( )/M10282A( )+6 and HC-B5MP-3( )/M10876( )( )( )( ) five-bladed propellers of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller separation from the airplane. This AD requires more detailed overhaul inspections and maintenance than the previous AD, AD 2004-21-01, for the airplane installations listed under paragraph (c) of this AD. This AD requires initial and repetitive torque inspections of propeller mounting bolts, and initial and repetitive inspections of the propeller mounting flange and engine mounting flange, and resurfacing the flanges if necessary. You must use the service information described previously to perform the actions required by this AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
Since an unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD, we have found that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable, and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. FAA-2006-25841; Directorate Identifier 86-ANE-7" in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it.
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 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.
Docket Number Change
We are transferring the docket for this AD to the Docket Management System as part of our on going docket management consolidation efforts. The new Docket No. is FAA-2006-25841. The old Docket No. became the Directorate Identifier, which is 86-ANE-7. This final rule might get logged into the DMS docket, ahead of the previously collected documents from the old docket file, as we are inthe process of sending those items to the DMS.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the docket that contains the AD, any comments received, and any final disposition in person at the Docket Management Facility 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.
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 AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 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. 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Under 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 39-13822 (69 FR 62179, October 25, 2004), and by adding a new airworthiness directive, Amendment 39-14809, to read as follows: