On July 31, 2003, a model A10460 series composite propeller blade separated from a model HC-A6A-3 series propeller while in flight and damaged the airplane. The model HC-A6A-3 series propeller was installed on the right-hand engine on a Short Brothers Ltd. SD3-60 Variant 200 airplane, commonly referred to as a Series 300 airplane. The manufacturer of the propeller issued an alert service bulletin (ASB) on September 10, 2003 to require initial and repetitive visual inspections of the composite blades for cracks. On September 12, the manufacturer reported that another cracked blade was found on an airplane when the propellers were inspected using the ASB. Because the manufacturer and the FAA are continuing their investigations into the causes of the cracks, there is no terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of Hartzell Propeller Inc. ASB No. HC-ASB-61-265, dated September 10, 2003, that describes procedures for visually inspecting the composite propeller blade on-wing and at overhaul.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this AD
The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other Hartzell Propeller, Inc. propellers of the same type design. We are issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller blade due to possible fatigue failure, which could result in damage to the airplane and possible loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires:
An initial visual inspection of the propeller blades for cracks within 100 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, but no later than 30 days after the effective date of this AD; and
Repetitive visual inspections of the propeller blades for cracks at intervals of 300 flight hours and at every overhaul, and
Replacing any cracked blade before further flight.
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.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
On July 10, 2002, we issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs our AD system. This regulation now includes material that relates to special flight permits, alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. This material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD actions.
Interim Action
These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future.
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 submit any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-47-AD" in the subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it; we will date- stamp your postcard and mail it back to you. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might suggest a need to modify it. If a person contacts us verbally, and that contact relates to a substantive part of this AD, we will summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of this documentis clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of our communications with you. You can get more information about plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www .plainlanguage.gov.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD Docket (including any comments and service information), by appointment, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. See ADDRESSES for the location.
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. Include "AD Docket No. 2003-NE-47-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, 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 adding the following new airworthiness directive: