Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27072-27074]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-10071]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0415; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-001-AD; 
Amendment 39-18152; AD 2015-09-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-26-04 for 
certain GROB-WERKE Models G115EG and G120A airplanes. 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 a defective starter solenoid. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 16, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 16, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of 
February 9, 2015 (80 FR 155, January 5, 2015).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0415; or in person at the Docket 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 Grob 
Aircraft AG, Customer Service, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, telephone: + 49 (0) 8268-998-105; fax: 
+ 49 (0) 8268-998-200; email: aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; 
Internet: grob-aircraft.com. You may view this 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-0415.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4123; 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 add an AD that would apply to certain GROB-WERKE Models 
G115EG and G120A airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on February 26, 2015 (80 FR 10423), and proposed to supersede 
AD 2014-26-04, Amendment 39-18055 (80 FR 155, January 5, 2015).
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. The MCAI states:

    An operator of a G 115E aeroplane experienced a total loss of 
electrical power in flight. The investigation found that a defective 
starter solenoid had caused an internal short circuit which resulted 
in breakdown of the system voltage.

[[Page 27073]]

    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in 
reduced control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, GROB Aircraft AG 
issued Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) MSB1078-196 for G 115 
aeroplanes and MSB 1121-144 for G 120 aeroplanes to provide 
instructions for inspection and corrective action. Consequently, 
EASA issued AD 2014-0212 to require a one-time inspection of the 
starter solenoid and, depending on findings, replacement of the 
starter. In addition, for G 115E aeroplanes, installation of a 
placard was required.
    More recently, GROB Aircraft AG developed a modification to 
avoid loss of electrical power in case of electrical shortage in the 
starter solenoid, which was published in revised GROB MSB1078-196/1 
and MSB1121-144/1.
    Prompted by this development, EASA issued AD 2015-0010, 
retaining the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0212, which was 
superseded, and required installation of a starter relay.
    Since that AD was issued, operator comments have indicated the 
existence of a logistical problem, resulting in the unnecessary 
grounding of aeroplanes.
    For the reason described above, this AD is revised to amend 
paragraph (3), extending the compliance time for modification.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0415-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 10423, February 26, 
2015) 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 (80 FR 10423, February 26, 2015) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 10423, February 26, 2015).

Relevant Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196, dated 
July 14, 2014; GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196/1, dated 
December 1, 2014; GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144, dated 
July 14, 2014; and GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/3, 
dated February 20, 2015. The service information describes procedures 
for inspecting the starter solenoid, replacing damaged starters, and 
installing a starter relay. This information is reasonably available at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-0415, or you may see ADDRESSES for other ways to access this 
service information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 6 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 4 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic starter inspection requirement of this AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this inspection on 
U.S. operators to be $2,040, or $340 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary starter replacements 
will take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $600, for a cost 
of $940 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need this replacement.
    We also estimate that it will take about 20 work-hours per product 
to comply with the starter relay installation requirement of this AD. 
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $1,000 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
installation on U.S. operators to be $16,200, or $2,700 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0415; 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 removing Amendment 39-18055 (80 FR 
155, January 5, 2015) and adding the following new AD:

2015-09-06 GROB-WERKE: Amendment 39-18152; Docket No. FAA-2015-0415; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-001-AD.

[[Page 27074]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 16, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-26-04, Amendment 39-18055 (80 FR 155, 
January 5, 2015) (``AD 2014-26-04'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to GROB-WERKE Model G115EG airplanes, all serial 
numbers through 82323/E, and Model G120A airplanes, all serial 
numbers through 85063, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 80: Starting.

(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 a defective 
starter solenoid. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
defective starter solenoids, which could cause an internal short 
circuit and could result in reduced control. We are superseding AD 
2014-26-04, Amendment 39-18055 (80 FR 155, January 5, 2015), 
requiring installation of a starter relay that will prevent loss of 
electrical power in case of electrical shortage in the starter 
solenoid.

 (f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) Within the next 30 days after February 9, 2015 (the 
effective date retained from AD 2014-26-04), inspect the starter 
following Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196, dated July 14, 2014; GROB Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196/1, dated December 1, 2014; GROB 
Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144, dated July 14, 2014; or 
GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/3, dated February 20, 
2015, as applicable.
    (2) If any damage is found on the starter during the inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the starter with a serviceable part. Do the replacement 
following Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196, dated July 14, 2014; GROB Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196/1, dated December 1, 2014; GROB 
Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144, dated July 14, 2014; or 
GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/3, dated February 20, 
2015, as applicable.
    (3) Within the next 100 hours time-in-service after June 16, 
2015 (the effective date of this AD), install a starter relay 
following Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196/1, dated December 1, 2014, or GROB 
Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/3, dated February 20, 
2015, as applicable.

(g) Credit for Actions Done in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    Actions done before June 16, 2015 (the effective date of this 
AD) following the Accomplishment Instructions specified in GROB 
Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/1, dated January 12, 2015; 
or GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/2, dated February 
5, 2015, as applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) 
through (f)(2) of this AD.

(h) 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; 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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2015-0010R1, dated February 4, 2015, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0415-0002.

(j) 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 service information was approved for IBR on 
June 16, 2015.
    (i) GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196/1, dated 
December 1, 2014.
    (ii) GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144/3, dated 
February 20, 2015.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 9, 2015 (80 FR 155, January 5, 2015).
    (i) GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1078-196, dated July 
14, 2014.
    (ii) GROB Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-144, dated July 
14, 2014.
    (5) For GROB Aircraft AG service information identified in this 
AD, contact Grob Aircraft AG, Customer Service, Lettenbachstrasse 9, 
D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany, telephone: + 49 (0) 8268-
998-105; fax: + 49 (0) 8268-998-200; email: aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: grob-aircraft.com.
    (6) You may view this 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2015-0415.
    (7) 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/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 23, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-10071 Filed 5-11-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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