A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that is applicable to Hartzell Propeller Inc. model HC-C2YR-4CF propellers was published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2002 (67 FR 59026). That action proposed to require the reduction of the propeller hubs part number (P/N) D-6522-1 or D-2201-16 and blades P/N FC8477A-4 certified service (fatigue) life from unlimited hours to 2,000 hours. The FAA and Hartzell Propeller Inc. have received reports of several engine crankshaft failures on Sky International Inc. (Pitts) S-2S and S-2B airplanes, which are manufactured by Aviat Aircraft Inc. of Afton, WY. Hartzell Propeller Inc. reevaluated the service (fatigue) life of the original propeller hubs P/N D-6522-1 or D-2201-16 and blades P/N FC8477A-4 installed in the model HC-C2YR-4CF propellers. Hartzell has reduced the certified service (fatigue) life of these original propeller hubs and blades from unlimited hours to 2,000 hours. Exceeding these life limits could result in fatigue failure of the hubs or blades which may result in loss of airplane control. The 2,000-hour life limit is documented in the Airworthiness Limitations section of Hartzell Manual 113B.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the comment received.
Risk if Life of a Component Is Not Known
One commenter states that the proposal introduces a life limit where there was none previously required. The commenter also states that there is a risk that operators or maintenance organizations may not know the current life of the applicable parts, and that the NPRM does not include any proposal to estimate usage or factoring where the life of a component is not known.
The FAA does not agree. Under 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(i), each registered owner or operator must keep records of the total time in service of each propeller. The propellers affected by this AD are flown on aircraft used in part 91 operations. Moreover, 14 CFR 91.417(b)(2) requires that the records must denote the total time, must be retained for an unlimited time, and must be transferred with the aircraft. Therefore, if a propeller's total time is unknown, then the propeller and the registered owner or operator are not in compliance with the regulations. Presently, the FAA will not pursue policy to approve a general formula for calculating total time on propellers with unknown total times. Please note that the final rule allows for the submittal of data to request and to justify an alternate method of compliance to the AD or an adjustment of the compliance time in the AD.
After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Economic Analysis
There are approximately 377 propellers of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 300 propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this AD, that it would take approximately 6 work hours per propeller to do the actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. The approximate cost of a new hub and blades is $9,000. Based on these figures, the total cost of the AD to U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,808,000.
Regulatory Analysis
This final 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 final rule.
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 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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 a new airworthiness directive to read as follows: