Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems Model 4HFR34C653/L106FA Propellers, 18774-18776 [2010-8380]

Download as PDF 18774 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 75, No. 70 Tuesday, April 13, 2010 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. 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 Comments Invited wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. SUMMARY: This supplemental NPRM revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), for McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. That proposed AD would have required a onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for cracks. That proposed AD resulted from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. This supplemental NPRM would require the same inspections. This supplemental NPRM results from reports of 7 additional hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul, totaling 10 cracked hubs. We are proposing this supplemental 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 June 14, 2010. 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:03 Apr 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 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; phone (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; phone: (316) 946– 4148; fax: (316) 946–4107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 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.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. Using the search function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including, if provided, 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). Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (phone (800) 647–5527) is the same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. Discussion On September 24, 2007, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to add an AD, for McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. The proposed AD published as an NPRM in the Federal Register on September 28, 2007 (72 FR 55120). That NPRM proposed to require a onetime FPI and ECI of the propeller hub for cracks. That NPRM resulted from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. Since we issued that NPRM, we received reports of 7 additional hubs found cracked during propeller overhaul. That brings the total of hubs that have had cracks located in the hub socket region, in the area of the outer bearing race press-fit surfaces, to 10. 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. Also since we issued that NPRM, we eliminated the reporting requirement to McCauley Propeller Systems. Comments We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of that proposed AD. We have considered the comment received on the original NPRM. Proposed AD Should Also Set a Time Limit One commenter, a private citizen, recommends that the proposed AD also set a time limit on when inspections should take place. The commenter recommends an hour limit, and a yearold limit. We infer that the commenter is asking for a calendar time limit as well as the proposed operating hour time-since-new limit, to ensure the E:\FR\FM\13APP1.SGM 13APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 13, 2010 / Proposed Rules inspection occurs in a more timely manner. We do not agree. The hub failure mechanism appears to be fretting damage which results in crack formation and subsequent growth. Propellers that are not operating do not accumulate fretting damage. Therefore, we cannot justify the use of calendar time. We did not change the proposed AD. 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 supplemental 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 $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $451,520. wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:03 Apr 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 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, Incorporation by reference, 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: 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: 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 June 14, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 18775 Applicability (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of 10 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-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 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. 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. Interim Action (m) These actions are interim actions and we may take further rulemaking actions in the future. Alternative Methods of Compliance (n) 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. E:\FR\FM\13APP1.SGM 13APP1 18776 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 13, 2010 / Proposed Rules Special Flight Permits (o) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, we are limiting the special flight permits for this AD as follows: (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 (p) McCauley Propeller Systems, Service Bulletin No. ASB254, dated August 20, 2007, pertains to the subject of this AD. Contact McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277–7704; phone (800) 621– 7767, for a copy of this service information. (q) 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; phone: (316) 946–4148; fax: (316) 946–4107, for more information about this AD. Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 7, 2010. Peter A. White, Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lieutenant junior grade Margaret Brown, Coast Guard Sector HoustonGalveston, telephone (713) 678–9001, or e-mail margaret.a.brown@uscg.mil if you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [FR Doc. 2010–8380 Filed 4–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 Public Participation and Request for Comments [Docket No. USCG–2009–0931] RIN 1625–AA11 Regulated Navigation Area; Galveston Channel, TX Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with PROPOSALS_PART 1 ACTION: SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to establish a regulated navigation area across the entire width of the Galveston Channel in the vicinity of Sector Field Office (SFO) Galveston. This regulated navigation area would require vessels to navigate at no wake speeds within this area. Vessel transits at greater than minimum safe speed and causing wake in this area would be prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Houston-Galveston or a designated representative. This regulated navigation area is needed to protect the Coast Guard Sector Field Office (SFO) Galveston vessels, break wall, and piers from further damage associated with excessive wake and to protect ongoing base construction. DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before May 13, 2010. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:03 Apr 12, 2010 You may submit comments identified by Coast Guard docket number USCG–2009–0931 using any one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. ADDRESSES: Jkt 220001 We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2009–0931), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (via https:// www.regulations.gov) or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Proposed Rule’’ and insert ‘‘USCG–2009–0931’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. Click ‘‘Search’’ then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2009– 0931’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. Privacy Act Anyone can 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 a Privacy Act notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Public Meeting We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for one using one of the four methods specified under ADDRESSES. Please E:\FR\FM\13APP1.SGM 13APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 13, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18774-18776]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-8380]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 70 / Tuesday, April 13, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 18774]]



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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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

SUMMARY: This supplemental NPRM revises an earlier proposed 
airworthiness directive (AD), for McCauley Propeller Systems model 
4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. That proposed AD would have required a 
onetime fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) and eddy current 
inspection (ECI) of the propeller hub for cracks. That proposed AD 
resulted from reports of 3 hubs found cracked during propeller 
overhaul. This supplemental NPRM would require the same inspections. 
This supplemental NPRM results from reports of 7 additional hubs found 
cracked during propeller overhaul, totaling 10 cracked hubs. We are 
proposing this supplemental 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 June 14, 
2010.

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; 
phone (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; 
phone: (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.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. Using the search 
function of the Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any 
of our dockets, including, if provided, 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).

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (phone (800) 647-5527) is the 
same as the Mail address provided in the ADDRESSES section. Comments 
will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

Discussion

    On September 24, 2007, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to add an AD, for McCauley 
Propeller Systems model 4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers. The proposed AD 
published as an NPRM in the Federal Register on September 28, 2007 (72 
FR 55120). That NPRM proposed to require a onetime FPI and ECI of the 
propeller hub for cracks. That NPRM resulted from reports of 3 hubs 
found cracked during propeller overhaul.
    Since we issued that NPRM, we received reports of 7 additional hubs 
found cracked during propeller overhaul. That brings the total of hubs 
that have had cracks located in the hub socket region, in the area of 
the outer bearing race press-fit surfaces, to 10. 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.
    Also since we issued that NPRM, we eliminated the reporting 
requirement to McCauley Propeller Systems.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of that proposed AD. We have considered the comment 
received on the original NPRM.

Proposed AD Should Also Set a Time Limit

    One commenter, a private citizen, recommends that the proposed AD 
also set a time limit on when inspections should take place. The 
commenter recommends an hour limit, and a year-old limit. We infer that 
the commenter is asking for a calendar time limit as well as the 
proposed operating hour time-since-new limit, to ensure the

[[Page 18775]]

inspection occurs in a more timely manner.
    We do not agree. The hub failure mechanism appears to be fretting 
damage which results in crack formation and subsequent growth. 
Propellers that are not operating do not accumulate fretting damage. 
Therefore, we cannot justify the use of calendar time. We did not 
change the proposed AD.

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 supplemental 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 $85 per work-hour. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of the proposed AD 
to U.S. operators to be $451,520.

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, Incorporation by reference, 
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:

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 June 14, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to McCauley Propeller Systems model 
4HFR34C653/L106FA propellers.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of 10 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.

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.

Interim Action

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

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (n) 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.

[[Page 18776]]

Special Flight Permits

    (o) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, we are limiting the special flight 
permits for this AD as follows:
    (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

    (p) McCauley Propeller Systems, Service Bulletin No. ASB254, 
dated August 20, 2007, pertains to the subject of this AD. Contact 
McCauley Propeller Systems, P.O. Box 7704, Wichita, KS 67277-7704; 
phone (800) 621-7767, for a copy of this service information.
    (q) 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; phone: (316) 
946-4148; fax: (316) 946-4107, for more information about this AD.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on April 7, 2010.
Peter A. White,
Assistant Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-8380 Filed 4-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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