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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 248 (Thursday, December 26, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78290-78292]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-30882]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-15-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dowty Propellers

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to revise airworthiness directive (AD) 2008-21-07 
that applies to certain Dowty Propellers model R408/6-123-F/17 
propellers. AD 2008-21-07 requires initial and repetitive inspections 
of the blade bonded metallic leading edge (L/E) guards for correct 
bonding until they accumulate more than 1,200 flight hours (FH) time in 
service. Since we issued AD 2008-21-07, Dowty Propellers has introduced 
updated service bulletins that identify terminating action to the 
requirements of AD 2008-21-07. This proposed AD would maintain the 
inspection and replacement requirements of AD 2008-21-07, provide an 
optional terminating action to those requirements, and add a new part 
number to the list of affected parts. We are proposing this AD to 
prevent the loss of the bonded metallic L/E guard of the propeller, 
which could result in damage to the propeller or to the airplane, or 
injury to personnel.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 24, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty 
Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester GL2 
9QN, UK; phone 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax 44 (0) 1452 716001. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 
New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call 781-238-7125.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2008-
1088; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (phone: 
800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Schwetz, Aerospace Engineer, 
Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Engine & Propeller 
Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; 
phone: 781-238-7761; fax: 781-238-7170; email: michael.schwetz@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1088; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-15-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On October 3, 2008, we issued AD 2008-21-07, Amendment 39-15691 (73 
FR 61346, October 16, 2008), (``AD 2008-21-07''), for all Dowty 
Propellers model R408/6-123-F/17 propellers. AD 2008-21-07 requires 
initial and repetitive inspections of the blade bonded metallic L/E 
guards for correct bonding until they accumulate more than 1,200 FH 
time in service. AD 2008-21-07 resulted from three in-service 
occurrences of blades losing the bonded metallic L/E guard. We issued 
AD 2008-21-07 to prevent the loss of the bonded metallic L/E guard of 
the propeller, which could result in damage to the propeller or to the 
airplane, or injury to personnel.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2008-21-07, Dowty Propellers has introduced 
updated service bulletins that identify terminating action to the 
repetitive inspection requirements of AD 2008-21-07. Dowty has also 
informed us of the need to add blade part number 697071278-18 to the 
list of affected parts. Also since we issued AD 2008-21-07, the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued AD 2007-0223R4, dated 
September 30, 2013, which requires repetitive inspections of the 
affected propellers and clarifies terminating action.

Relevant Service Information

    We reviewed Dowty Propellers Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 
D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2007. The ASB describes 
procedures for initial and repetitive inspections of blade bonded 
metallic L/E guards, and repair or replacement of blades that fail 
inspection. We also reviewed Service Bulletin (SB) No. D8400-61-70, 
Revision 3, dated June 3, 2013, and SB No. D8400-61-83, Revision 4, 
dated June 3, 2013, which provide optional terminating action for the 
repetitive inspection requirement of this proposed AD.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would maintain the initial and repetitive 
inspections of the propeller blade bonded metallic L/E guards required 
by AD 2008-21-07 (73 FR 61346, October 16, 2008). This proposed AD 
would also provide an

[[Page 78291]]

optional terminating action to the repetitive inspection requirements 
of AD 2008-21-07, and would add a new part number to the list of 
affected parts.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 174 propellers 
installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would 
take about 4 hours per propeller to comply with this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Required parts cost about $352 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of this 
proposed AD to U.S. operators is $120,408.

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 proposed 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 
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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska to the extent 
that it justifies making a regulatory distinction, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2008-21-07, Amendment 39-15691 (73 FR 61346, October 16, 2008), and 
adding the following new AD:

Dowty Propellers (formerly Dowty Aerospace Propellers): Docket No. 
FAA-2008-1088; Directorate Identifier 2008-NE-15-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 24, 
2014.

(b) Affected Ads

    This AD revises AD 2008-21-07, Amendment 39-15691 (73 FR 61346, 
October 16, 2008).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Dowty Propellers model R408/6-123-F/17 
propellers with blades, part numbers 697071200-18, 697071210-18, 
697071227-18, 697071240-18, 697071245-18, 697071257-18, or 
697071278-18, installed.

(d) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by three in-service occurrences of blades 
losing the bonded metallic leading edge (L/E) guard. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent the loss of the bonded metallic L/E guard of the 
propeller, which could result in damage to the propeller or to the 
airplane, or injury to personnel.

(e) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.
    (1) Within the next 50 flight hours (FH) or within 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect all 
affected blade assemblies where the bonded metallic L/E guard has 
accumulated 1,200 FH time in service or less since installation, in 
accordance with the instructions of Dowty Propellers Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated September 18, 
2007.
    (2) Within 50 FH or 30 days, whichever occurs first, after 
installing a replacement blade, inspect the affected blade assembly 
where the bonded metallic L/E guard has accumulated 1,200 FH time in 
service or less since installation, in accordance with the 
instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, 
dated September 18, 2007.
    (3) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 100 FH, repeat the 
inspection of the affected blade assemblies in accordance with the 
instructions of Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, 
dated September 18, 2007, until the blade bonded metallic L/E guard 
has accumulated more than 1,200 FH time in service since 
installation.
    (4) If, during any of the inspections required by this AD, 
disbonding is found, apply the criteria in Appendix A of Dowty 
Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated September 18, 
2007 and, within the associated time period, repair or replace the 
affected blade assembly in accordance with Dowty Propellers ASB No. 
D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2007.
    (5) Blades that were repaired within the first 101.6 mm (4.0 
inches) of the tip of the blade as specified in Appendix D of Dowty 
Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated September 18, 
2007, are eligible to continue in service for another 500 FH after 
accomplishment of the repair. Repair does not terminate the 
repetitive inspection requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this AD.

(f) Optional Terminating Action

    As optional terminating action to the repetitive inspection 
requirements of paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, modify the affected 
propeller using Dowty Propellers Service Bulletin (SB) No. D8400-61-
70, Revision 3, dated June 3, 2013, or SB No. D8400-61-83, Revision 
4, dated June 3, 2013, as applicable.

(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, may 
approve AMOCs for this AD. Use the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19 
to make your request.

(h) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael Schwetz, 
Aerospace Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
Engine & Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, 
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781-238-7761; fax: 781-238-7170; email: 
michael.schwetz@faa.gov.
    (2) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 2007-
0223R4, dated September 30, 2013, for more information. You may 
examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2008-1088.
    (3) Dowty Propellers SB No. D8400-61-70, Revision 3, dated June 
3, 2013, and SB No. D8400-61-83, Revision 4, dated June 3, 2013, 
which are not incorporated by reference in this AD, can be obtained 
from Dowty Propellers, using the contact information in paragraph 
(h)(5) of this AD.
    (4) Dowty Propellers ASB No. D8400-61-A69, Revision 1, dated 
September 18, 2007, pertains to the subject of this AD and can be 
obtained from Dowty Propellers, using the

[[Page 78292]]

contact information in paragraph (h)(5) of this AD.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Dowty 
Propellers, Anson Business Park, Cheltenham Road East, Gloucester 
GL2 9QN, UK; phone: 44 (0) 1452 716000; fax: 44 (0) 1452 716001.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Engine & 
Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, 
MA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 781-238-7125.

    Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on December 11, 2013.
Frank P. Paskiewicz,
Acting Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-30882 Filed 12-24-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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