Fri, Nov 18, 2005
This Could Be A Pricey One, Folks...
The FAA has submitted a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on a potential Airworthiness
Directive aimed at McCauley Propellers, specifically model
3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/82NDB-X Propellers (hereafter
referred to as C406 and C409, respectively) mounted to Teledyne
Continental Motors (TCM) IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating
engines.
The NPRM affects owners and pilots of a variety of Beechcraft
Bonanza models, as well as Navion aircraft equipped with TCM IO-550
and TSIO-520 series reciprocating engines.
"McCauley Propeller Systems recently conducted tests to measure
vibratory stress on C406 and C409 propellers," the NPRM reads. "The
tests identified a high stress condition that reduces the fatigue
life and damage tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers when
installed on TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating
engines."
"This condition, if not corrected, could result in blade or hub
failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and
loss of control of the airplane."
Below is the unedited summary of the NPRM, as well as the
estimated cost of compliance should an Airworthiness Directive be
issued.
- SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems models
3A32C406/82NDB-X and D3A32C409/ 82NDB-X propellers, installed on
Teledyne Continental Motors (TCM) IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550
reciprocating engines. These propellers are herein referred to as
C406 and C409 propellers, respectively. This proposed AD would
require adding an operational revolutions per minute (rpm)
restriction on the C406 and C409 propellers, and installing an rpm
restriction placard in the cockpit. This proposed AD would also add
a 10,000-hour total time-in-service (TIS) life limit for these
propellers. This proposed AD would also remove from service any
propeller that has 10,000 hours or more total TIS, or that has an
unknown total TIS. Also, this proposed AD would require initial and
repetitive propeller blade inspections for damage, and repair if
necessary. This proposed AD results from testing by the
manufacturer that identified stress conditions that affect the
fatigue life and damage tolerance of C406 and C409 propellers, when
installed on TCM IO-520, TSIO-520, or IO-550 reciprocating engines.
We are proposing this AD to prevent blade or hub failure that could
result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of
the airplane.
- COST OF COMPLIANCE: About 2,350 C406 and C409
propellers installed on airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD. We also estimate it would take about
3 work hours per propeller to perform the proposed inspections and
repairs, and each propeller would have three inspections per year.
We also estimate it would take about 0.5 work hour to install the
proposed cockpit placard, and about 950 airplanes would require the
placard. The average labor rate is $65 per work hour. A replacement
propeller blade would cost about $10,500. We estimate 500
propellers in the fleet (or about 21%) would require parts
replacement. Based on these figures, we estimate the total cost of
the proposed AD to U.S. operators to be $2,585,500.
Follow the links below to view the full NPRM, as well as to
submit your comments electronically. Any comments on this proposed
AD must be received by January 17, 2006.
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