New Hartzell AD - ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propellers

[Vern]

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propellers with non-
suffix serial number (SN) propeller hubs installed on Lycoming O-, IO-,
LO-, and AEIO-360 series reciprocating engines. This AD requires
initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) of the front
cylinder half of the propeller hub for cracks and removing cracked hubs
from service before further flight. In addition, this AD allows
installation of an improved design propeller hub (suffix SN ``A'' or
``B'') as terminating action to the repetitive ECI. This AD results
from a report of a propeller blade separating from a propeller hub. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub causing
blade separation and subsequent loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2006. The Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of September 25, 2006.
We must receive any comments on this AD by November 7, 2006.

[osxuser]

Originally Posted by Vern

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Hartzell Propeller Inc. ( )HC-( )2Y( )-( ) series propellers with non-
suffix serial number (SN) propeller hubs installed on Lycoming O-, IO-,
LO-, and AEIO-360 series reciprocating engines. This AD requires
initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECI) of the front
cylinder half of the propeller hub for cracks and removing cracked hubs
from service before further flight. In addition, this AD allows
installation of an improved design propeller hub (suffix SN ``A'' or
``B'') as terminating action to the repetitive ECI. This AD results
from a report of a propeller blade separating from a propeller hub. We
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the propeller hub causing
blade separation and subsequent loss of airplane control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 25, 2006. The Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of September 25, 2006.
We must receive any comments on this AD by November 7, 2006.

Been expecting this one for awhile. Good thing props bought from Van's are -b hubs (Post 1996 I believe). Anyone who has a Hartzell CS prop on their RV should check their prop SN for a -a or a -b after the number. If it's not there, the AD applies to you.

[lesdoud]

Folks,

You can always call our Product Support (1-800-942-7767) and ask if you're unsure if this AD applies to you. There is also additional information on our website http://www.hartzellprop.com/resource_library/index_resource.htm look for HC-SB-61-269.

As I understand it, the AD applies to hubs manufactured before 1991. "A"-suffix hubs were manufactured 1991 to 1997 and are not affected. "B"-suffix hubs started in April 1997 and are not affected. The "youngest" hub this applies to is approximately 15 years old.

Les Doud
Hartzell Propeller Inc.