[Federal Register: August 21, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 161)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 46582-46584] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr21au07-24] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2007-28730; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-063-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GARMIN International GSM 85 Servo Gearbox Units 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 certain GARMIN International (GARMIN) GSM 85 servo gearbox units that are installed on airplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the GSM 85 servo gearbox for foreign object debris and return the unit to the manufacturer for replacement if you find debris. This proposed AD results from reports of certain GARMIN GSM 85 servo gearbox units that have foreign object debris inside the assembly. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct defective GARMIN GSM 85 servo gearbox units, which could result in jamming of the gearbox. Jamming of the gearbox could lead to the pilot having to apply excessive manual force to control the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment on this proposed AD:DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. 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. Fax: (202) 493-2251. 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. Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact GARMIN International Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; telephone: 913-397-8200; fax: 913-397-8282. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roger A. Souter, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: 316-946-4134; fax: 316-946-4107; e-mail address: roger.souter@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA- 2007-28730; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-063-AD'' at the beginning 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 http://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive concerning this proposed AD. Discussion We have received reports of certain GARMIN GSM 85 servo gearbox units having foreign object debris inside the assembly. The debris was found during installation and removal. The GSM 85 servo gearbox extrusion (housing) is composed primarily of aluminum. The manufacturer selectively uses a tumbling process to deburr the housing, which resulted in foreign object debris collecting in the housing cavities. We have determined that foreign object debris inside the gear- assembly housing may come loose causing the GSM 85 servo gearbox to jam. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the GSM 85 servo gearbox unit becoming jammed. Jamming of the servo gearbox could lead to the pilot having to apply excessive manual force to control the airplane. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed GARMIN International, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision A, dated May 7, 2007; GARMIN International, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision B, dated May 18, 2007; GARMIN International, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision C, dated May 29, 2007; and GARMIN International, Inc. Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision D, dated June 13, 2007. These service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the GSM 85 servo gearbox for foreign object debris and returning the unit to the manufacturer for replacement if debris is found. FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the GSM 85 servo gearbox for foreign object debris and return the unit to the manufacturer for replacement if you find debris. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 900 airplanes in the U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to do the proposed inspection: [[Page 46583]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cost per Total cost on U.S. Labor cost Parts cost airplane operators ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 work-hours x $80 per hour = $560........ Not applicable.............. $560 $504,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For airplanes that would need to replace the GSM 85 servo gearbox based on the results of the proposed inspection, we estimate the following costs to set the torque value of the slip-clutch breakaway required for installation. We have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this replacement: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total cost per GSM 85 Labor cost per GSM 85 Servo Gearbox Parts cost Servo Gearbox ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- .5 work-hours x $80 per hour = $40.............. Not applicable.................... $40 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warranty credit will be given to the extent specified in the service information. 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 have 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 that the 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. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located at the street address stated 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, 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: GARMIN International: Docket No. FAA-2007-28730; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-063-AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) action by October 22, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the GSM 85 servo gearbox units that are specified in paragraph (c)(1) of this AD and are installed on airplanes. These GSM 85 servo gearbox units are installed in, but not limited to, airplanes that are certificated in any category and presented in paragraph (c)(2) of this AD: (1) GSM 85 servo gearbox units, part numbers (P/Ns): 011-00894- 00, 011-00894-02, 011-00894-04, 011-00894-06, 011-00894-07, 011- 00894-08, 011-00894-09, 011-00894-10, 011-00894-11, and 011-00894- 14. (2) Airplanes with the GSM 85 servo gearbox units installed (other aircraft could have installations through other methods such as field approval): ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Type certificate holder Models ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (i) Cessna Aircraft Company.. 182T, T182T, 206H, and T206H. (ii) Hawker Beechcraft G36 and G58. Corporation. (iii) Diamond Aircraft DA40 and DA40F. Industries GmbH. (iv) Columbia Aircraft 350 and 400. Manufacturing. (v) Mooney Airplane Company, M20M and M20R. Inc. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports of certain GARMIN GSM 85 servo gearbox units that have foreign object debris inside the assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective GARMIN GSM 85 servo gearbox units, which could result in jamming of the servo gearbox. This jamming could [[Page 46584]] lead to the pilot having to apply excessive manual force to control the airplane. Compliance (e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless already done: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Actions Compliance Procedures ------------------------------------------------------------------------ (1) Check the serial tag of Check within the Check following the installed GSM 85 servo next 100 hours time- GARMIN gearbox unit to determine in-service (TIS) International, Inc. the mod level. The mod after the effective Service Bulletin level marked on the serial date of this AD or No. 0713, Revision tag indicates if the GSM 85 within the next 3 A, dated May 7, servo gearbox unit is months after the 2007; Service already in compliance with effective date of Bulletin No. 0713, this AD. this AD, whichever Revision B, dated (i) If the serial tag on the occurs first. May 18, 2007; installed GSM 85 servo Service Bulletin gearbox unit for P/Ns 011- No. 0713, Revision 00894-00 or 011-00894-10 is C, dated May 29, marked at mod level 3, no 2007; or Service further action is required. Bulletin No. 0713, (ii) If the serial tag on Revision D, dated the installed GSM 85 servo June 13, 2007. If gearbox unit for P/Ns 011- the Mod Level of 00894-02, 011-00894-04, 011- the P/Ns specified 00894-06, 011-00894-07, 011- in paragraph 00894-08, 011-00894-09, 011- (e)(1)(i) and 00894-11, or 011-00894-14 (e)(1)(ii) are at is marked at mod level 1, mod level 1 and mod no further action is level 3, as required. applicable, make an (iii) If the serial tag on entry into the the above GSM servo gearbox aircraft logbook unit is not at mod level 1 showing compliance or 3, then go to paragraph with this portion (e)(2) of this AD. of the AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). The owner/ operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may do this action. (2) If the serial tag on the Within the next 100 Follow the GSM 85 servo gearbox for P/ hours TIS after the Modification Ns specified in paragraph effective date of Instructions in (e)(1) of this AD is not this AD or within GARMIN marked at mod level 1 or the next 3 calendar International, Inc. mod level 3 as applicable, months after the Service Bulletin inspect the servo gearbox effective date of No. 0713, Revision for foreign object debris. this AD, whichever A, dated May 7, occurs first. 2007; Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision B, dated May 18, 2007; Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision C, dated May 29, 2007; or Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision D, dated June 13, 2007. (3) If foreign object debris Before further Follow the is found during the flight after the Modification inspection required in inspection required Instructions in paragraph (e)(2) of this in paragraph (e)(2) GARMIN AD, remove and return the of this AD. International, Inc. GSM 85 servo gearbox to the Service Bulletin manufacturer for No. 0713, Revision replacement. A, dated May 7, 2007; Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision B, dated May 18, 2007; Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision C, dated May 29, 2007; or Service Bulletin No. 0713, Revision D, dated June 13, 2007. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (f) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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: Roger A. Souter, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Wichita ACO, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone: (316) 946- 4134; fax: (316) 946-4107; e-mail address: roger.souter@faa.gov. 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. Related Information (g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this AD, contact GARMIN International Inc., 1200 East 151st Street, Olathe, KS 66062; telephone: (913) 397-8200; fax: (913) 397-8282. To view the AD docket, go to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket No. FAA-2007-28730; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-063-AD. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 14, 2007. Terry L. Chasteen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-16416 Filed 8-20-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P