Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Sailplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 9, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1726-1728]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-31364]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1124; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-041-AD; 
Amendment 39-17304; AD 2012-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH 
Sailplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 
109B sailplanes. 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 
and/or cracking of the elevator control rod that could lead to failure 
of the elevator control rod with consequent loss of control. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 13, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of February 13, 
2013.

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.

[[Page 1727]]

    For service information identified in this AD, contact Grob 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, 
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 8268 998 139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998 200; email: 
aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: www.grob-aircraft.com/62.html. 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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 22, 2012 (77 
FR 64437). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Corroded and cracked elevator control road in the vertical fin 
on a Grob G 109B powered sailplane has been reported.
    The technical investigation revealed that water had soaked into 
the elevator control rod through a control bore hole and resulted in 
corrosion damage and, in case of water freeze between the external 
control rod and the internal mass balance, in crack of the elevator 
control rod in the vertical fin.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the elevator control rod, possibly resulting in loss of 
control of the sailplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Grob Aircraft AG published 
Service Bulletin (MSB) 817-64 providing instructions for elevator 
control rod inspection and replacement.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires accomplishment 
of inspections of the elevator control rod in the vertical fin and, 
depending on finding, its replacement with a serviceable part, as 
well as a revision of powered sailplane Aircraft Maintenance Manual 
(AMM).

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 64437, October 22, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 64437, October 22, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 64437, October 22, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

For Model G109 Sailplanes

    We estimate that this AD will affect 31 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $5,270, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $680, for a cost of 
$765 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

For Model G109B Sailplanes

    We estimate that this AD will affect 28 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 3.5 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 $78 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $10,514, or $375.50 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $738, for a cost of 
$823 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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 (77 FR 64437, October 22, 
2012), 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.

[[Page 1728]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2012-26-09 Burkhart Grob Luft-Und: Amendment 39-17304; Docket No. 
FAA-2012-1124; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-041-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective February 13, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Burkhart GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH Models 
GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B sailplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(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 and/or 
cracking of the elevator control rod. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct corrosion and/or cracking of the elevator control 
rod, which could lead to failure of the elevator control rod with 
consequent loss of control.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after 
February 13, 2013 (the effective date of this AD) or within the next 
60 days after February 13, 2013 (the effective date of this AD), 
whichever occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed every 5 years, inspect the elevator control rod in the 
vertical fin for corrosion or cracking following the accomplishment 
instructions in Grob Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB817-64/2, 
dated September 6, 2012.
    (2) For the purposes of this AD, we define slight corrosion as 
corrosion you can remove with metal wool and that has no visible 
pitting in the base metal. If you cannot remove the corrosion with 
metal wool or if there is visible pitting in the base metal, we 
define it as heavy corrosion.
    (3) If any cracks or heavy corrosion are found during any of the 
inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace the elevator control rod with an airworthy part 
following the accomplishment instructions in Grob Aircraft AG 
Service Bulletin No. MSB817-64/2, dated September 6, 2012, for your 
applicable sailplane model.
    (4) If only slight or no corrosion of the elevator control rod 
is found during any of the inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) 
of this AD, before further flight, clean the rod surface and apply a 
corrosion inhibitor, as applicable, following the accomplishment 
instructions in Grob Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB817-64/2, 
dated September 6, 2012.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: Grob Aircraft AG 
incorporated the repetitive inspections required by this AD into the 
instructions for continued airworthiness of the aircraft maintenance 
manual for the applicable sailplanes.

(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 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, AD 
No.: 2012-0181, dated September 7, 2012; and Grob Aircraft AG 
Service Bulletin No. MSB817-64/2, dated September 6, 2012, for 
related information.

 (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.
    (i) Grob Aircraft AG Service Bulletin No. MSB817-64/2, dated 
September 6, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Grob 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, 
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 8268 998 139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998 200; 
email: aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: www.grob-aircraft.com/62.html.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 December 21, 2012.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-31364 Filed 1-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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