Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers. That AD currently requires an initial inspection for cracks in the propeller hub in accordance with a dye penetrant inspection procedure, replacement of propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, rework of propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits, and repetitive inspections of all affected propellers. This proposal would allow additional rework operations to be performed at more than one bolt hole location. This proposal is prompted by the need to clarify the requirement to use a steel backing plate and Mylar gasket during installation of the propeller, and to relax the replacement requirements. The actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of control of the airplane.