2020-25-05: Propeller Hub Section

The Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: \n\n2020-25-05 Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG: Amendment 39-21347; Docket No. FAA-2020-1104; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01421-P. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis airworthiness directive (AD) is effective December 22, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all Hoffmann GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann) model HO-V 72 propellers. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tJoint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6114, Propeller Hub Section. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by reports of cracks at different positions on two affected propellerhubs. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in release of the propeller, damage to the airplane, and injury to persons on the ground. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, amend the existing aircraft flight manual by inserting the procedure: ''Abnormal propeller vibrations: As applicable, reduce engine RPM.'' \n\t(2) Before the next flight after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter, before the next flight after any flight where abnormal propeller vibrations have been experienced, visually inspect propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) for cracks using paragraph 2.1 of Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG Service Bulletin SB E53, Rev. B, dated October 14, 2020 (the SB). \n\t(3) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a non-destructive test (NDT) inspection of propeller hub HO- V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) using paragraph 2.3 of the SB. \n\t(4) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) or (3) of this AD, any crack is detected, replace propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) with a part eligible for installation. \n\t(5) During each overhaul of propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) after the effective date of this AD, perform an NDT inspection using paragraph 2.3 of the SB. \n\t(6) Before exceeding 30 years since the date of manufacture, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, replace propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) with a part eligible for installation. \n\n(h) Definition \n\n\n\tFor the purpose of this AD, a ''part eligible for installation'' is a propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) with zero hours time since new or a propeller hub HO-V 72 ( ) ( )-( )-( ) that has accumulated fewer than 30 years since the date of manufacture and has passed an NDT inspection using paragraph 2.3 of the SB. \n\n(i) Non-Required Actions \n\n\n\t(1) Sending the propeller to Hoffmann for investigation, as contained in paragraph 2.1 of the SB, is not required by this AD. \n\t(2) Reporting propeller hubs with cracks to Hoffmann, as contained in paragraph 2.3 of the SB, is not required by this AD. \n\n(j) Credit for Previous Actions \n\n\n\tYou may take credit for the initial visual inspection and NDT inspection of the propeller hub required by paragraphs (g)(2), (3), and (5) of this AD if you performed any of these actions before the effective date of this AD using Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG SB E53 Rev. A, dated October 9, 2020. \n\n(k) Special Flight Permit \n\n\n\tA special flight permit may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a service facility to perform the NDT inspection. Special flight permits are prohibited to perform the visual inspection of the propeller hub. \n\n(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in Related Information. \n\t(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. \n\n(m) Related Information \n\n\n\t(1) For more information about this AD, contact Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety Engineer, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803; phone: (781) 238-7761; fax: (781) 238- 7199; email: [email protected]. \n\t(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0226-E, dated October 16, 2020, for more \n\n((Page 78705)) \n\ninformation. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2020-1104. \n\n(n) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\t(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. \n\t(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. \n\t(i) Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG (Hoffmann) Service Bulletin SB E53, Rev. B, dated October 14, 2020. \n\t(ii) (Reserved) \n\t(3) For Hoffmann service information identified in this AD, contact Hoffmann Propeller GmbH & Co. KG, Sales and Service, Kupferlingstrasse 9, 83022, Rosenheim, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 8031 1878 0; fax: +49 (0) 8031 1878 78; email: prop.com">[email protected]; website: https://hoffmann-prop.com/. \n\t(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1200 District Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (781) 238-7759. \n\t(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. \n\n\n\tIssued on November 30, 2020. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-26765 Filed 12-4-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P