Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 175 (Monday, September 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55411-55413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-22039]



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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 175 / Monday, September 10, 2012 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 55411]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0046; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-040-AD; 
Amendment 39-17186; AD 2012-15-07 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Glasflugel Models Standard Libelle-201B, Club Libelle 205, Mosquito, 
and Kestrel gliders. That AD currently requires actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products. This new AD includes clarification 
that the replacement control rod has an additional drain hole at the 
rod bottom between the forks and is the acceptable configuration for 
compliance. 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 corrosion damage to the elevator 
control rod that could lead to failure of the elevator control rod, 
possibly resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing 
this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 25, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 11, 
2012.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by October 25, 2012.

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 service information identified in this AD, contact Glasfaser 
Flugzeug-Service Hansj[ouml]rg Streifeneder GmbH, D-72582 
Grabenstetten, Germany; phone: +49(0)73821032, fax: +49(0)73821629; 
email: [email protected]; Internet: www.streifly.de/. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On July 18, 2012, we issued AD 2012-15-07, amendment 39-17136 (77 
FR 46940, August 7, 2012) for Glasflugel Models Standard Libelle-201B, 
Club Libelle 205, Mosquito, and Kestrel gliders. That AD resulted 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. We issued that AD to require actions 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2012-15-07, amendment 39-17136 (77 FR 46940, 
August 7, 2012), compliance with the existing AD required operators to 
not install an elevator control rod with a control bore hole. An 
operator reported that the improved replacement rods, as expected, have 
no control bore hole on the side at the top of the rod where there had 
previously been a hole. However, the improved replacement rods do have 
a new drain hole at the bottom of the rod between the forks. The 
operator expressed confusion as to whether this drain hole would cause 
the new rod to not be in compliance since there was no clarification of 
``on the side.''

Relevant Service Information

    Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH has issued Technical Note TN 201-
40, TN 205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 304-12, TN 401-30, TN 501-10, 
and TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011 (EASA translation 
approval dated September 9, 2011). The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination

    We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

AD Requirements

    This AD retains the actions from AD 2012-15-07 but adds the 
language of ``on the side'' to assure that the replacement control rod, 
which has an additional drain hole at the rod bottom between the forks, 
is an acceptable configuration for compliance.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    This action incorporates clarification that the additional drain 
hole at the rod bottom between the forks on the replacement control 
rods is the acceptable configuration for compliance and does not 
require any additional work for those airplanes. Therefore, we find 
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary 
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less 
than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not provide you with notice and an opportunity to 
provide your comments before it becomes effective. However, we invite 
you to send any written data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send 
your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include 
the docket number FAA-2012-0046 and directorate identifier 2011-CE-040-
AD at the beginning of your comments. We

[[Page 55412]]

specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 54 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $333 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $45,522, or $843 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 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

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

    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:

2012-15-07 R1 Glasflugel: Amendment 39-17186; Docket No. FAA-2012-
0046; Directorate Identifier 2011-CE-040-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
25, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD revises AD 2012-15-07, amendment 39-17136 (77 FR 46940, 
August 7, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Glasflugel models and serial 
number (S/N) gliders, certificated in any category:
    (1) Club Libelle 205, all S/Ns.
    (2) Kestrel, all S/Ns, except S/N 85, 110, and 125.
    (3) Mosquito, all S/Ns.
    (4) Standard Libelle-201B, S/N 169.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 corrosion damage 
to the elevator control rod that could lead to failure of the 
elevator control rod, possibly resulting in loss of control of the 
glider. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 30 days after September 11, 2012 (the effective date 
of AD 2012-15-07), inspect the elevator control rod in the vertical 
fin following Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note TN 201-
40, TN 205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 304-12, TN 401-30, TN 501-
10, and TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011 (EASA translation 
approval dated September 9, 2011), as applicable to glider model.
    (2) If you find any discrepancy in the inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace the 
elevator control rod with an elevator control rod that does not have 
a control bore hole on the side following Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service 
GmbH Technical Note TN 201-40, TN 205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 
304-12, TN 401-30, TN 501-10, and TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 
14, 2011 (EASA translation approval dated September 9, 2011), as 
applicable to glider model.
    (3) Within 9 months after September 11, 2012 (the effective date 
of AD 2012-15-07), unless already done as required by paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD, replace the elevator control rod in the vertical 
fin with an elevator control rod that does not have a control bore 
hole on the side following Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical 
Note TN 201-40, TN 205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 304-12, TN 401-
30, TN 501-10, and TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011 (EASA 
translation approval dated September 9, 2011), as applicable to 
glider model.
    (4) As of September 11, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-15-
07), do not install an elevator control rod with a control bore hole 
on the side.

    Note to paragraphs (f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD: The 
replacement control rod has an additional drain hole at the rod 
bottom between the forks and is an acceptable configuration for 
compliance.

    (5) The actions mandated by this AD may be accomplished by 
persons authorized to perform maintenance in accordance with 14 CFR 
43.3 and by persons authorized to approve aircraft for return to 
service after maintenance in accordance with 14 CFR 43.7.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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

[[Page 55413]]

found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; 
fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]. 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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2011-0213R1, dated November 8, 2011; and Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service 
GmbH Technical Note TN 201-40, TN 205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 
304-12, TN 401-30, TN 501-10, and TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 
14, 2011 (EASA translation approval dated September 9, 2011), for 
related information. For service information related to this AD, 
contact Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service Hansj[ouml]rg Streifeneder GmbH, 
D-72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; phone: +49(0)73821032, fax: 
+49(0)73821629; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.streifly.de/. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following information was approved for IBR on September 
11, 2012.
    (i) Glasfaser Flugzeug Service GmbH Technical Note TN 201-40, TN 
205-27, TN 206-26, TN 303-25, TN 304-12, TN 401-30, TN 501-10, and 
TN 604-11, Revision 1, dated July 14, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For Glasflugel service information identified in this AD, 
contact Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service Hansj[ouml]rg Streifeneder GmbH, 
D-72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; phone: +49(0)73821032, fax: 
+49(0)73821629; email: [email protected]; Internet: www.streifly.de/.
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/index.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 31, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-22039 Filed 9-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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