[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 232 (Friday, December 4, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 63583-63585]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-28558]
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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;
Amendment 39-16120; AD 2009-25-03]
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: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 8, 2010.
On January 8, 2010, the Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this
AD.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC
20590.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 21, 2009
(74 FR 48019). That NPRM proposed 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.
[[Page 63584]]
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Differences Between This 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 required 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 1 product of U.S. registry. We
also estimate that it will take about 18 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will 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 this 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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 AD and placed it in the AD Docket.
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 the NPRM, 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2009-25-03 ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG: Amendment
39-16120; Docket No. FAA-2009-0868; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-
047-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
8, 2010.
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, AFT propeller gear
112, 401, 401. box.
07 722 0002-200................. 101, 104, 107, LH propeller gear
110, 201. box.
07 722 0003-200................. 102, 105, 108, RH propeller gear
111, 301, 302. box.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 January 8, 2010 (the effective date of this AD),
before the accumulation of the
[[Page 63585]]
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 January 8, 2010 (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 January 8, 2010 (the effective date of this AD).
(3) As of January 8, 2010 (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 Luftschifftecnik 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 January 8, 2010
(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.
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;
email: [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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use ZLT Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik GmbH & Co KG
Service Bulletin S07 830 0001, Issue B-00, dated June 29, 2009, to
do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact ZLT
Zeppelin Luftschifftecnik GmbH & Co KG, 88046 Friedrichsfafen,
Allmannsweilerstrasse 132, Germany; telephone: + 49 (0) 7541-5900-
546; fax: + 40 (0) 7541-5900-516; Internet: http://www.zeppelinflug.de/.
(3) You may review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region,
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 20, 2009.
Margaret Kline,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-28558 Filed 12-3-09; 8:45 am]
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