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

[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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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