2022-18-02: Propeller System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-18-02 MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH: Amendment 39-22153; Docket No. FAA-2022-1056; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00895-P. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective September 16, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH: (1) MTV-5-1-( ), MTV-9-( ), MTV-12-( ), MTV-14-B, MTV-14-D, MTV-15-( ), MTV-16-( ), MTV-18-( ), and MTV-27-( ) variable pitch propellers with a propeller serial number (S/N) identified in MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 30, Revision 7, dated June 23, 2022 (MT-Propeller ASB No. 30, Rev. 7); and (2) MTV-5-1-( ), MTV-9-( ), MTV-11-( ), MTV-12-( ), MTV-14-B, MTV-14-D, MTV-15-( ), MTV-16-( ), MTV-17-( ), MTV-18-( ), MTV-20-( ), and MTV-27-( ) variable pitch propellers with a propeller blade S/N identified in MT-Propeller ASB No. 30, Rev. 7, installed. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6100, Propeller System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of certain propeller blade lag screws that were manufactured with an improper surface finish, which results in reduced fatigue strength of these lag screws. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent in-flight blade detachment. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to release of the propeller, damage to the airplane, and reduced control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) If the affected propeller or propeller blade is installed on a turboprop engine, before exceeding 120 days from the effective date of this AD, or within 50 flight hours (FHs) from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove from service any propeller blade lag screw with part number (P/N) A-983-C-85 and replace with a part eligible for installation. (2) If the affected propeller or propeller blade is installed on a piston engine, before exceeding 60 days from the effective date of this AD, or within 25 FHs from the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, remove from service any propeller blade lag screw with P/N A-983-C-85 and replace with a part eligible for installation. (h) Definition For the purpose of this AD, a "part eligible for installation" is any propeller blade lag screw with P/N A-983-D-85 or P/N A-983-E-85. (i) Installation Prohibition After the effective date of this AD, do not install a propeller blade lag screw with P/N A-983-C-85 onto any propeller or propeller blade. (j) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if the actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH Alert Service Bulletin No. 30, Revision 6, dated January 18, 2022, or earlier versions of this service information. (k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The following provisions also apply to this AD. (1) The Manager, Boston ACO Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in § 39.19. In accordance with § 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 paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. (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. (l) Additional Related Information (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0134, dated July 6, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1056. (2) 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; email: [email protected]. (m) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH Alert Service Bulletin No. 30, Revision 7, dated June 23, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH service information identified in this AD, contact MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH, MT-Propeller USA, Inc., 1180 Airport Terminal Drive, DeLand, FL 32724; phone: (386) 736-7762; email: [email protected] . (4) You may view this service information at the 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 (817) 222-5110. (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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on August 17, 2022. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-19050 Filed 8-30-22; 4:15 pm]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P