Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models STEMME S10-V and STEMME S10-VT Powered Sailplanes, 20072-20075 [E7-7642]

Download as PDF 20072 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 77 / Monday, April 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU previously held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN): Docket No. FAA–2006–26494; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–79–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by May 23, 2007. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 378, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:49 Apr 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: To prevent unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a catastrophic failure of the wing accomplish the following: The MCAI requires inspecting the visible parts of the spar web and the upper and lower boom angles (top and bottom spar caps) for corrosion and correcting as necessary. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. Accomplishment of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2005– 0028 satisfies the requirement of this AD: (1) Within 66 months after aircraft date of manufacture or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, unless already done within the last 24 months, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months, remove the main landing gear legs and all the wing inspection panels following the instructions in the aircraft maintenance manual and inspect the visible parts of the spar web and the upper and lower boom angles (top and bottom spar caps), following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. If the spars are replaced, the inspections at intervals of 24 months must be resumed within 60 months from the date of replacement. (2) Before further flight, if corrosion is found on the rear face of the spar web or the upper and lower boom angles, then inspect the front face of the spar for corrosion following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. It may be necessary to cut inspection holes or remove the wings to inspect the front face of the spar. Inspection holes must be prepared to a manufacturerapproved repair scheme. (3) Before further flight, treat corrosion following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. (4) Before further flight, if corrosion is found which exceeds the limits specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, repair following an approved repair scheme. 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. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand AD DCA/R2000/37A, dated December 21, 2006; Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983, 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. E7–7644 Filed 4–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 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 Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 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 FAA AD Differences PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\23APP1.SGM 23APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 77 / Monday, April 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 https://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 https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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, VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:49 Apr 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 https:// 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, PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 20073 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 E:\FR\FM\23APP1.SGM 23APP1 20074 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 77 / Monday, April 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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. 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. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS 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. 16:49 Apr 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 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. Authority for This Rulemaking VerDate Aug<31>2005 We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 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. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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. E:\FR\FM\23APP1.SGM 23APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 77 / Monday, April 23, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27229; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–03–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Comments Invited Airworthiness Directives; CFM International, S.A. CFM56–7B Series Turbofan Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for CFM International, S.A. CFM56–7B Series Turbofan Engines. This proposed AD would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) in the Engine Shop Manual (ESM) and the air carrier’s approved continuous airworthiness maintenance program (CAMP) to add mandatory inspections of certain low pressure turbine rear frames (TRFs) to the ALS or CAMP. This proposed AD results from a refined lifing analysis by the engine manufacturer that shows the need to identify an initial threshold for inspecting certain TRFs. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the TRF from low-cycle fatigue cracks. Failure of the TRF could result in engine separation from the airplane, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by June 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:49 Apr 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • 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. You may examine the comments on this proposed AD in the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colleen M. D’Alessandro, Aerospace Engineer, Engine Certification Office, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (781) 238–7133; fax (781) 238–7199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We invite you to send us any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 2007–27229; Directorate Identifier 2007–NE–03–AD’’ in the subject line of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of the DOT Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the docket that contains the proposal, any comments received and, any final disposition in person at the DOT Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 20075 The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5227) is located on the plaza level of the Department of Transportation Nassif Building at the street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management Facility receives them. Discussion This AD is required because TRFs, part numbers 340–166–205–0, 340–166– 206–0, 340–166–207–0, 340–166–208–0, 340–166–209–0, 340–166–210–0, now require an initial inspection threshold of 25,000 cycles-in-service (CIS) on the commercial (air carrier) models engines and 19,000 CIS on the business jet models. This proposed AD would not affect any other CFM56–7B part number TRFs. We have been monitoring CFM’s revised life analysis progress since February 2005. CFM International provided to us the November 15, 2006 revision to the ESM to introduce mandatory inspections of the TRF. CFM International has been using a damage tolerant lifing approach, based on an FAA approved methodology for structural lifed components, to prepare life extensions for all CFM56 TRFs using on-condition life management. This improved life management process defines a first inspection threshold and reinspection intervals accounting for crack initiation and propagation. The previous life management process was based on crack initiation only. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the TRF from low-cycle fatigue cracks. Failure of the TRF could result in engine separation from the airplane, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other products of this same type design. We are proposing this AD, which would require revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section in the ESM and the air carrier’s approved continuing airworthiness maintenance program to incorporate life reductions for certain TRFs. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 1,228 engines installed on airplanes of U.S. registry. Since life extensions are possible on condition, the cost of the proposed AD will be limited to performing TRF inspections. We also estimate that it would take about 3.0 work-hours per engine to perform the proposed actions, including E:\FR\FM\23APP1.SGM 23APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 77 (Monday, April 23, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20072-20075]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing 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).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 https://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 https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
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 https://
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
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