Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Model 4HFR34C653/L106FA Propellers, 55120-55122 [E7-19194]

Download as PDF 55120 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Proposed Rules Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2007–29333; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–141–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 13, 2007. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 737– 600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1232, dated April 2, 2007. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:39 Sep 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a fatigue test that revealed numerous cracks in the upper skin panel at the chemically milled step above the lap joint. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue-related cracks, which could result in the crack tips continuing to turn and grow to the point where the skin bay flaps open, causing decompression of the airplane. Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin (f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in this AD, means Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–53–1232, dated April 2, 2007. Inspections and Replacement, as Applicable (g) At the applicable compliance times listed in Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service bulletin, or within the time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at the applicable repeat intervals listed in Tables 1, 2, and 3: Do the applicable inspections and replacement by accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. (1) For airplanes specified in Tables 1 and 2 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service bulletin: Do the applicable initial inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes specified in Table 3 of paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of the service bulletin: Do the applicable initial inspection and replacement required by paragraph (g) of this AD within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. Corrective Actions (h) If any crack or loose or missing fastener is found during any applicable inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do the applicable corrective action in accordance with the service bulletin; except, where the service bulletin specifies to contact Boeing for appropriate action, before further flight, repair the crack using a method approved in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. Terminating Action for Certain Repetitive Inspections (i) For airplanes on which the preventative modification specified in the service bulletin has not been installed: Accomplishing the preventative modification, time-limited repair, or permanent repair in accordance with the service bulletin ends the applicable repetitive external detailed inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–19205 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29176; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–38–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Model 4HFR34C653/ L106FA Propellers Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. This proposed AD would require a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for cracks. This proposed AD results from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by November 27, 2007. DATES: E:\FR\FM\28SEP1.SGM 28SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Proposed Rules Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD from McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277–7704; telephone (800) 621–7767. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; telephone: (316) 946–4148; fax: (316) 946–4107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS ADDRESSES: Comments Invited We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2007–29176; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–38–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.dms.dot.gov or https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted 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). Examining the AD Docket For access to the docket to read background documents or comments VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:39 Sep 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 received, go to https://dms.dot.gov until September 27, 2007, or the street address listed under ADDRESSES. The DOT docket may be offline at times between September 28 through September 30 to migrate to the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS). On October 1, 2007, the internet access to the docket will be at https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Discussion The FAA received reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. All 3 hubs had very small cracks located in the hub socket region, in the area of the outer bearing race press-fit surfaces. To date, the cause of these cracks appears to be fretting damage between the outer bearing race and the hub surface. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007. That ASB describes procedures for a onetime FPI and ECI of propeller hubs for cracks. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require a onetime FPI and ECI of propeller hubs for cracks. The proposed AD would require you to use the service information described previously to perform these actions. Interim Action These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 128 propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 41.5 work-hours per propeller to perform the proposed actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $80 per propeller, if the hub passes inspection. Required parts would cost about $4,113 per propeller, if the hub fails inspection. PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 55121 We estimate that 5% of the hubs will require replacement. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $463,991. 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed AD: 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. Would 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD. You may get a copy of this summary at the address listed under ADDRESSES. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: E:\FR\FM\28SEP1.SGM 28SEP1 55122 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007. (k) Remove cracked hubs from service and any other propeller parts found cracked, and return them within 10 days after inspection to McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277–7704, for further evaluation. McCauley Propeller Systems: Docket No. FAA–2007–29176; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–38–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by November 27, 2007. Reporting Requirements Applicability (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. These propellers are installed on, but not limited to, British Aerospace Jetstream 3201 airplanes. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the airplane, and loss of control of the airplane. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Compliance (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the actions have already been done. (f) For propeller hubs with 6,000 or more operating hours time-since-new (TSN) on the effective date of this AD, perform the procedures in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD within 100 operating hours time-inservice (TIS) after the effective date of this AD. (g) For propeller hubs with fewer than 6,000 operating hours TSN on the effective date of this AD, perform the procedures in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD before the propeller hub reaches 6,100 operating hours TSN. Onetime Propeller Hub Inspection (h) Remove and disassemble the propeller, and etch the propeller hub, using paragraphs 1.A. through 2.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007. (i) Perform a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the propeller hub, using paragraphs 3.A through 3.G. of the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007. (j) For hubs that pass the FPI, perform a onetime eddy current inspection of the propeller hub, using paragraphs 4.A. through 4.F. of the Accomplishment Instructions of VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:45 Sep 27, 2007 Jkt 211001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–29337; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–150–AD] Previous Credit (l) If you performed the onetime inspection of the propeller hub using McCauley Propeller Systems Service Bulletin No. SB238A, or Alert Service Bulletin ASB254, both dated August 20, 2007, before the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the inspection requirements of this AD. Affected ADs (b) None. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (m) Record the hub inspection results on reporting form, page 8, of McCauley Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007. Within 10 days after the inspection, send the completed reporting form to McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277–7704, telephone (316) 831–4021; fax (316) 831–3858. (n) Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Interim Action (o) These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future. Alternative Methods of Compliance (p) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, has the authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Special Flight Permits (q) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, we are limiting the special flight permits for this AD by the following conditions: (1) The propeller must have no signs of external oil leakage from the hub; and (2) The propeller has no current reports of abnormal operation or vibration. Related Information (r) None. (s) Contact Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; telephone: (316) 946– 4148; fax: (316) 946–4107, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 24, 2007. Thomas A. Boudreau, Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–19194 Filed 9–27–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Model Avro 146–RJ Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Corrosion has been reported beneath the heat shield which is located around the APU (auxiliary power unit) exhaust outlet. Such corrosion could result in the fuselage being unable to sustain horizontal and vertical stabiliser loads. This is considered as potentially hazardous/catastrophic. * * * The unsafe condition is that the horizontal or vertical stabilizer might collapse under excessive load, resulting in loss of control of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 29, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. E:\FR\FM\28SEP1.SGM 28SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 188 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55120-55122]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19194]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-29176; Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-38-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Model 
4HFR34C653/L106FA Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. This 
proposed AD would require a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection 
(FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for 
cracks. This proposed AD results from reports of 3 hubs found cracked 
during propeller overhaul. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure 
of the propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the 
airplane, and loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by November 27, 
2007.

[[Page 55121]]


ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this 
proposed AD.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277-7704; 
telephone (800) 621-7767.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
1801 Airport Road, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; 
telephone: (316) 946-4148; fax: (316) 946-4107.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-29176; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NE-38-AD'' in the subject line of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.dms.dot.gov or https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
AD. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    For access to the docket to read background documents or comments 
received, go to https://dms.dot.gov until September 27, 2007, or the 
street address listed under ADDRESSES. The DOT docket may be offline at 
times between September 28 through September 30 to migrate to the 
Federal Docket Management System (FDMS). On October 1, 2007, the 
internet access to the docket will be at https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

Discussion

    The FAA received reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller 
overhaul. All 3 hubs had very small cracks located in the hub socket 
region, in the area of the outer bearing race press-fit surfaces. To 
date, the cause of these cracks appears to be fretting damage between 
the outer bearing race and the hub surface. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in failure of the propeller hub, which could 
cause blade separation, damage to the airplane, and loss of control of 
the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed and approved the technical contents of McCauley 
Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. ASB254, dated August 
20, 2007. That ASB describes procedures for a onetime FPI and ECI of 
propeller hubs for cracks.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products 
of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require 
a onetime FPI and ECI of propeller hubs for cracks. The proposed AD 
would require you to use the service information described previously 
to perform these actions.

Interim Action

    These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 128 propellers 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 41.5 work-hours per propeller to perform the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required 
parts would cost about $80 per propeller, if the hub passes inspection. 
Required parts would cost about $4,113 per propeller, if the hub fails 
inspection. We estimate that 5% of the hubs will require replacement. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD 
to U.S. operators to be $463,991.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed AD:
    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. Would 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. You may get a copy of this summary at the 
address listed under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the 
Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as 
follows:

[[Page 55122]]

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:

McCauley Propeller Systems: Docket No. FAA-2007-29176; Directorate 
Identifier 2007-NE-38-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive 
comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by November 27, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems model 
4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. These propellers are installed on, but 
not limited to, British Aerospace Jetstream 3201 airplanes.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during 
propeller overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
propeller hub, which could cause blade separation, damage to the 
airplane, and loss of control of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified unless the 
actions have already been done.
    (f) For propeller hubs with 6,000 or more operating hours time-
since-new (TSN) on the effective date of this AD, perform the 
procedures in paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD within 100 
operating hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of 
this AD.
    (g) For propeller hubs with fewer than 6,000 operating hours TSN 
on the effective date of this AD, perform the procedures in 
paragraphs (h) through (k) of this AD before the propeller hub 
reaches 6,100 operating hours TSN.

Onetime Propeller Hub Inspection

    (h) Remove and disassemble the propeller, and etch the propeller 
hub, using paragraphs 1.A. through 2.D. of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert Service Bulletin 
No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007.
    (i) Perform a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of 
the propeller hub, using paragraphs 3.A through 3.G. of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems Alert 
Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007.
    (j) For hubs that pass the FPI, perform a onetime eddy current 
inspection of the propeller hub, using paragraphs 4.A. through 4.F. 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of McCauley Propeller Systems 
Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007.
    (k) Remove cracked hubs from service and any other propeller 
parts found cracked, and return them within 10 days after inspection 
to McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277-
7704, for further evaluation.

Previous Credit

    (l) If you performed the onetime inspection of the propeller hub 
using McCauley Propeller Systems Service Bulletin No. SB238A, or 
Alert Service Bulletin ASB254, both dated August 20, 2007, before 
the effective date of this AD, you have satisfied the inspection 
requirements of this AD.

Reporting Requirements

    (m) Record the hub inspection results on reporting form, page 8, 
of McCauley Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 
2007. Within 10 days after the inspection, send the completed 
reporting form to McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, 
Wichita, KS 67277-7704, telephone (316) 831-4021; fax (316) 831-
3858.
    (n) Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements contained in this 
AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Interim Action

    (o) These actions are interim actions and we may take further 
rulemaking actions in the future.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (p) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, has the 
authority to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD 
if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Special Flight Permits

    (q) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD by the following conditions:
    (1) The propeller must have no signs of external oil leakage 
from the hub; and
    (2) The propeller has no current reports of abnormal operation 
or vibration.

Related Information

    (r) None.
    (s) Contact Jeff Janusz, Aerospace Engineer, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1801 Airport 
Road, Wichita, KS 67209; e-mail: jeff.janusz@faa.gov; telephone: 
(316) 946-4148; fax: (316) 946-4107, for more information about this 
AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on September 24, 2007.
Thomas A. Boudreau,
Acting Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-19194 Filed 9-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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