[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 181 (Monday, September 21, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48019-48021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-22641]



[[Page 48019]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0868; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-047-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & 
Co KG Model LZ N07-100 Airships

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 product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as: The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report that 
during start up on ground a RH propeller gear box (PGB) on the airship 
has failed resulting in free rotation of the propeller. Investigation 
performed by the manufacturer revealed that the bevel gear in the 
propeller gearbox had cracked near the hub area. During an extensive 
metallurgical investigation of the cracked bevel gear some different 
manufacturing deviations outside of the specifications were detected. 
Deviations in the heat treatment, wall thickness of the bevel gear near 
the hub area, and score marks caused during the production process have 
been established as causal factors for this failure.
    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 November 5, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

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-2009-0868; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-047-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://www.regulations.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 AD 
No. 2009-0182, dated August 20, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report that during 
start up on ground a RH propeller gear box (PGB) on the airship has 
failed resulting in free rotation of the propeller. Investigation 
performed by the manufacturer revealed that the bevel gear in the 
propeller gearbox had cracked near the hub area.
    During an extensive metallurgical investigation of the cracked 
bevel gear some different manufacturing deviations outside of the 
specifications were detected. Deviations in the heat treatment, wall 
thickness of the bevel gear near the hub area, and score marks 
caused during the production process have been established as causal 
factors for this failure.
    For the reasons described above, this new AD mandates the 
replacement of the affected bevel gears, and limits, as a temporary 
measure, their service-life to 1 000 Flight Hours (for non-
refurbished PGBs) and to 1 600 Flight Hours (for refurbished PGBs).

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

Relevant Service Information

    ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG has issued Service 
Bulletin S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 29, 2009. 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

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 1 product of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 18 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed

[[Page 48020]]

AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would 
cost about $66,488 per gear box replacement. 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 $67,928 per gear box replacement.

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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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:

ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2009-
0868; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-047-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 5, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model LZ N07-100 airships, serial numbers 
002, 003, and 004, that are certificated in any category and are 
equipped with the following propeller gear boxes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Part No.                         Serial No.                          Designation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
07 722 0001-200........................  103, 106, 109, 112, 401,    AFT propeller gear box.
                                          401.
07 722 0002-200........................  101, 104, 107, 110, 201...  LH propeller gear box.
07 722 0003-200........................  102, 105, 108, 111, 301,    RH propeller gear box.
                                          302.
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Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 65: Tail 
Rotor Drive.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    The manufacturer has advised of receiving a report that during 
start up on ground a RH propeller gear box (PGB) on the airship has 
failed resulting in free rotation of the propeller. Investigation 
performed by the manufacturer revealed that the bevel gear in the 
propeller gearbox had cracked near the hub area.
    During an extensive metallurgical investigation of the cracked 
bevel gear some different manufacturing deviations outside of the 
specifications were detected. Deviations in the heat treatment, wall 
thickness of the bevel gear near the hub area, and score marks 
caused during the production process have been established as causal 
factors for this failure.
    For the reasons described above, this new AD mandates the 
replacement of the affected bevel gears, and limits, as a temporary 
measure, their service-life to 1 000 Flight Hours (for non-
refurbished PGBs) and to 1 600 Flight Hours (for refurbished PGBs).

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance 
with ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG Service Bulletin 
S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 29, 2009:
    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, before the accumulation 
of the applicable total hours time-in-service (TIS) as defined in 
the appendix of ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG Service 
Bulletin S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 29, 2009, replace the 
bevel gears of the propeller gearbox.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, for airships with a 
propeller gear box identified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD that 
have exceeded the applicable total hours TIS as defined in the 
appendix of ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG Service 
Bulletin S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 29, 2009, replace the 
bevel gears of the propeller gearbox within the next 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, airships with a 
propeller gear box S/N 102, 107, 108, 109, or 112, contact the 
manufacturer at ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG, 88046 
Friedrichsfafen, Allmannsweilerstrasse 132, Germany; telephone: + 49 
(0) 7541-5900-546; fax: +40 (0) 7541-5900-516, to obtain a repair 
scheme within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD. 
Incorporate the repair scheme before further flight after receipt.
    (4) After doing the replacements required in paragraphs (f)(1), 
(f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD, replace the bevel gears of the 
propeller gearbox thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,600 hours 
TIS on the propeller gearbox.

    Note 1: The time between overhaul for gear boxes specified in 
the airship maintenance manual remains unchanged.


    Note 2: Airships with a propeller gear box S/N 102, 107, 108, 
109, or 112 have exceeded their life limit and are not eligible for 
bevel gear replacement. See paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.


[[Page 48021]]



FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090; e-
mail: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on 
any airship 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.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2009-0182, dated August 20, 2009; and ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik 
GmbH & Co KG Service Bulletin S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 
29, 2009, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 14, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-22641 Filed 9-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P