Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO Sailplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 12, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59258-59263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19929]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD; 
Amendment 39-14322; AD 2003-19-14 R2]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH 
& CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III 
ACRO Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-19-14 
R1, which applies to certain BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & 
CO KG (GROB) Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN 
III ACRO sailplanes. AD 2003-19-14 R1 requires you to modify the 
airspeed indicators, install flight speed reduction and aerobatic 
maneuver restrictions placards (as applicable), and revise the flight 
and maintenance manuals. AD 2003-19-14 R1 approves simple aerobatic 
maneuvers for Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes and provides an 
option for modifying the rear fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO 
and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes to terminate the flight limitation 
restrictions for aerobatic maneuvers. This AD retains all the actions 
from AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III 
ACRO and reinstates certain operating limits for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR 
sailplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the fuselage 
during limit load flight, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity. This condition could lead to loss of control of the 
sailplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 30, 2005.
    On August 12, 2004 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004) the Director of the

[[Page 59259]]

Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference GROB Service 
Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin 
No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003; and GROB Work Instruction for 
OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003.
    As of November 30, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of GROB Service Bulletin No. 
MSB315-64/3, dated September 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD, 
contact GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; 
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected].
    To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-20441; Directorate 
Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-
4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    Has FAA taken any action to this point? Reports from the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, that 
the safety margins established into the design of the fuselage may not 
be sufficient to sustain limit loads during certain maneuvers and 
during flight at certain speeds for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN 
II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This caused 
us to issue AD 2003-19-14, Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September 
30, 2003). AD 2003-19-14 required the following:

--Modifying the airspeed indicators;
--Installing placards restricting flight speeds, prohibiting aerobatic 
maneuvers, and restricting load limits; and
--Incorporating revisions to the flight and maintenance manuals.

    AD 2003-19-14 was issued as an interim action until the 
manufacturer completed further investigations into the effects of 
certain flight conditions on the fuselage structure and the development 
of corrective procedures.
    The manufacturer conducted further investigations and static 
strength tests to verify the safety margins of the fuselage on the 
affected sailplanes. This information prompted us to issue AD 2003-19-
14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004). AD 2003-19-14 
R1 requires the following:
    For Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:

--Retain all flight limitation restrictions in AD 2003-19-14.
    For Model G103 TWIN II sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver 
operations and remove from the applicability section of AD 2003-19-14;

    For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver 
operations; and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles, 
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
    For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations except for rough air 
(V<INF>B</INF>) and maneuvering speeds (V<INF>A</INF>); and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles, 
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).

    For Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes:

--Increase airspeed limits specified in AD 2003-19-14 but maintain a 
reduction from the original limitations; and
--Retain restrictions in AD 2003-19-14 on all aerobatic flights, 
including simple maneuvers, and cloud flying.

    The manufacturer also developed a modification for Models G103A 
TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes 
(aerobatic category). When this modification is incorporated, full 
acrobatic status is restored to these sailplanes.
    What has happened since AD 2003-19-14 R1 to initiate this proposed 
action? The LBA recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 2003-19-
14 R1. Based on analysis, the LBA reports that certain limits of 
operation for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes may be reinstated.
    Specifically, the maximum airspeed in calm air (V<INF>NE</INF>) 
could be reinstated to 135 knots (155 mph/250kmh) for Model G103 TWIN 
ASTIR sailplanes. Aerobatic flight is still prohibited; however, simple 
aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles) 
may be performed following the flight manual.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not 
prevented, damage to the fuselage during limit load flight could result 
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss of 
control of the sailplane.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to certain GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, 
G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This proposal 
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on March 23, 2005 (70 FR 14580). The NPRM proposed to 
revise AD 2003-19-14 R1 with a new AD that would:
    (1) retain all actions required in AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models 
G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes; and
    (2) reinstate certain operating limits for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR 
sailplanes.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no 
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the 
public.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor 
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now 
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

[[Page 59260]]

Costs of Compliance

    How many sailplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 94 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs to do the 
modifications to the airspeed indicators, flight limitations placards, 
and revising the flight and maintenance manuals:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Total cost
              Labor cost                      Parts cost             per         Total cost on U.S. operators
                                                                  sailplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 = $65..............  Not applicable..........          $65  $65 x 94 = $6,110.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes and G103C 
TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes, we estimate the 
following costs to do the fuselage modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost       sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 work hours x $65 = $1,950............          $5,307         $7,257.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the 
cost impact of AD 2003-19-14 R1? There is no cost difference between 
this AD and AD 2003-19-14 R1. This AD is only revising certain 
operating limits for certain Model G103 TWIN ASTIR. This AD does not 
require any additional actions than are currently required in AD 2003-
19-14 R1.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    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 summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket 
No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD'' in your 
request.

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 Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004), and by 
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-19-14 R2 BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG: 
Amendment 39-14322; Docket No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate 
Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD; Revises AD 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-
13676.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on November 30, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

    (b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                            Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G103 TWIN ASTIR........................  All serial numbers.
G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)  All serial numbers with suffix
                                          ``K''.
G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic           All serial numbers.
 category).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 59261]]

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for 
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
damage to the fuselage during limit load flight, which could result 
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss 
of control of the sailplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Actions                                                       Compliance                Procedures
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:                                                                   Within the next 25 hours  Following GROB Service
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations;                                      time-in-service (TIS)     Bulletin No. MSB315-64/
(ii) Install the following placard:                                                                    after November 30, 2005   3, dated September 14,
                                                                                                       (the effective date of    2004.
                                                                                                       this AD), unless
                                                                                                       already done.

                                                                                                                                 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.010
                                                                                                                                 

    (iii) You may perform simple aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and
     chandelles) following the flight manual; and
    (iv) Revise the flight and maintenance manuals.
(2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category)          Within the next 25 hours  Follow Grob Service
 sailplanes:                                                                                           time-in-service (TIS)     Bulletin No. MSB315-65,
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; and                                  after August 12, 2004     dated September 15,
(ii) Install the following placards on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:       (the effective date AD    2003.
                                                                                                       2003-19-14 R1), unless
                                                                                                       already done.

                                                                                                                                 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.011
                                                                                                                                 

    (iii) Install the following placards on Model G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category)
     sailplanes:


[[Page 59262]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.012


(3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category)          At any time after August  Follow Grob Service
 sailplanes: as an alternative to the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you may      12, 2004 (the effective   Bulletin No. OSB 315-
 install additional stringers in the rear fuselage section. Installing additional stringers            date AD 2003-19-14 R1).   66, dated October 16,
 terminates the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD.                                                              2003, and Work
                                                                                                                                 Instruction for OSB 315-
                                                                                                                                 66, dated October 16,
                                                                                                                                 2003.
(4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category)          Prior to further flight   Follow Grob Service
 sailplanes: only if you installed the additional stringers specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this      after doing the actions   Bulletin No. OSB 315-
 AD, do the following:                                                                                 in paragraph (e)(3) of    66, dated October 16,
(i) Remove the placard prohibiting all aerobatic maneuvers;                                            this AD.                  2003.
(ii) Install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic
 category) sailplanes:

                                                                                                                                 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.013
                                                                                                                                 

    (iii) Install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic
     category) sailplanes:

     [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.014
     


[[Page 59263]]

    Note: The placard information in this AD is different from the 
information in the applicable service bulletins. This AD takes 
precedence over the service bulletins. You should update your 
placards to reflect the information presented in this AD.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Gregory A. Davison, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) German AD D-2003-231R3, dated November 9, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

    (h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-64/3, dated 
September 14, 2004; Grob Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated 
September 15, 2003; Grob Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated 
October 16, 2003; and Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October 
16, 2003.
    (1) On August 12, 2004 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004), and in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Grob 
Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003; Grob 
Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003; and Work 
Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003.
    (2) As of November 30, 2005, and in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of GROB Service Bulletin No. 
MSB315-64/3, dated September 14, 2004.
    (3) To get a copy of this service information, contact GROB 
Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-
Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49 
8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected]. To review 
copies of this service information, go to the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call 
(202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-
20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 28, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19929 Filed 10-11-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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