[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 77 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20072-20075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-7642]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-016-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models STEMME S10-
V and STEMME S10-VT Powered Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation

[[Page 20073]]

product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Service experience showed that the connection screw of the 
propeller blade follower type 10AP-VM may break and the main part of 
the blade follower can be lost in flight. This condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to high vibration during powered flight and 
consequently result in decreased control of the aircraft.
    Stemme has developed a new blade follower, Model 10AP-VP, which 
is reinforced on the shaft and has an Allen head screw installed 
instead of a slotted screw. For the reason stated above, this 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requires the replacement of 
the blade follower type 10AP-VM with the new type 10AP-VP.
    This EAD has been revised to correct the TCDS reference and the 
applicability statement. No separate TC was issued for the affected 
propellers. These propellers are part of the aircraft type design.
    Paragraph (4) of the ``Compliance'' section of this EAD has been 
corrected.

    The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address 
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service 
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to 
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from 
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language 
principles.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
27431; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-016-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Emergency AD No. 2006-0373R1-E, dated December 15, 2006, corrected 
January 5, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Service experience showed that the connection screw of the 
propeller blade follower type 10AP-VM may break and the main part of 
the blade follower can be lost in flight. This condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to high vibration during powered flight and 
consequently result in decreased control of the aircraft.
    Stemme has developed a new blade follower, Model 10AP-VP, which 
is reinforced on the shaft and has an Allen head screw installed 
instead of a slotted screw. For the reason stated above, this 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requires the replacement of 
the blade follower type 10AP-VM with the new type 10AP-VP.
    This EAD has been revised to correct the TCDS reference and the 
applicability statement. No separate TC was issued for the affected 
propellers. These propellers are part of the aircraft type design.
    Paragraph (4) of the ``Compliance'' section of this EAD has been 
corrected.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Stemme GmbH & Co. KG has issued STEMME F & D Service Bulletin (SB) 
A31-10-078, Am.-Index: 01.a, dated November 6, 2006. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a note within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would

[[Page 20074]]

affect about 53 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $117 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $18,921, or $357 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models STEMME S10-V and STEMME S10-VT Powered 
Sailplanes: Docket No. FAA-2007-27431; Directorate Identifier 2007-
CE-016-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 23, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models STEMME S10-V and STEMME S10-VT 
powered sailplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 61: 
Propellers.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states: Service experience showed that the connection screw of the 
propeller blade follower type 10AP-VM may break and the main part of 
the blade follower can be lost in flight. This condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to high vibration during powered flight and 
consequently result in decreased control of the aircraft.
    Stemme has developed a new blade follower, Model 10AP-VP, which 
is reinforced on the shaft and has an Allen head screw installed 
instead of a slotted screw. For the reason stated above, this 
Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) requires the replacement of 
the blade follower type 10AP-VM with the new type 10AP-VP.
    This EAD has been revised to correct the TCDS reference and the 
applicability statement. No separate TC was issued for the affected 
propellers. These propellers are part of the aircraft type design.
    Paragraph (4) of the ``Compliance'' section of this EAD has been 
corrected.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 25 engine operating hours or 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do 
the following actions:
    (1) Replace the blade follower type 10AP-VM with the new type 
10AP-VP following the instructions contained in STEMME F & D SB A31-
10-078, Am.-index: 01.a, dated November 6, 2006.
    (2) As of 25 engine operating hours or 90 days after the 
effective date of this AD, do not install a propeller type 10AP-F, 
10AP-V or 11AP-V on any aircraft, unless that propeller has the new 
type 10AP-VP blade follower installed following the instructions 
contained in STEMME F & D SB A31-10-078, Am.-index: 01.a, dated 
November 6, 2006.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI requires an amendment to the aircraft flight 
manual before further flight as an interim requirement to the 
replacement. We consider before flight as an urgent safety of flight 
compliance time, and we do not consider this unsafe condition to be 
an urgent safety of flight condition. We feel that 25 engine 
operating hours or 90 days, whichever occurs first, for the 
replacement is an adequate compliance for this AD action and meets 
the FAA requirements of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). We 
do encourage you to incorporate these flight manual amendments 
referenced in the MCAI and service information until you replace the 
propeller blade follower.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri, 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et.seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

[[Page 20075]]

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency AD No.: 2006-0373R1-E, dated December 15, 2006, corrected 
January 5, 2007; and STEMME F & D SB A31-10-078, Am.-index: 01.a, 
dated November 6, 2006, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 17, 2007.
Charles L. Smalley,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-7642 Filed 4-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P