Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26124-26127]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08961]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1130; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-18492; AD 2015-09-04 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-09-04 for DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders equipped with a Solo 
Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine. 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 engine shaft failure and consequent propeller detachment. 
We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of June 6, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of May 
26, 2015 (80 FR 25591, May 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-
1130; 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 Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7031 301-0; fax: +49 7031 301-136; email: germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, Otto Lilienthal Weg 2/Am Flugplatz, 76646 Bruchsal, 
Germany; telephone: +49 7251 3020-0; fax: +49 7251 3020-200; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/ 
index.php?id=1329. You may view this

[[Page 26125]]

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 Docket No. FAA-2015-1130.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model 
DG-1000T gliders equipped with a Solo Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine. 
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 4, 2016 (81 
FR 5944), and proposed to revise AD 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 
FR 25591, May 5, 2015).
    Since we issued AD 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 FR 25591, May 
5, 2015), new service information has been issued that includes 
procedures for replacement of the excenter axle-pulley assembly and 
installation of an elastomeric damper element between the propeller and 
upper pulley. This optional modification will allow resuming engine 
operation.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2015-0052R1, dated November 19, 2015 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct the above-referenced unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence of engine shaft failure and consequent propeller 
detachment was reported on a Solo 2350 C engine.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to additional cases 
of release of the propeller from the engine, possibly resulting in 
damage to the sailplane, or injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued Emergency AD 2013-
0217-E to prohibit operation of the engine. That AD was later 
revised to introduce an optional modification, through Solo 
Kleinmotoren Service Bulletin (SB) 4603-14, to install a modified 
excenter axle-pulley assembly, allowing to resume operation of the 
engine.
    Since EASA AD 2013-0217R1 was issued, another occurrence of 
engine shaft failure and propeller detachment was reported on a Solo 
2350 C engine which had been modified in accordance with Solo 
Kleinmotoren SB 4603-14.
    Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD 2015-0052-E, which 
superseded AD 2013-0217R1, to prohibit operation of all Solo 2350 C 
engines, including those engines which had been modified in 
accordance with Solo Kleinmotoren SB 4603-14. That AD also required 
a one-time inspection of the propeller shaft to detect cracks and 
the reporting of findings.
    Since that AD was issued, Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH developed 
modification drawing nb. 2031211-V2 available for in service 
application through Solo SB 4603-17 and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 
developed modifications drawing nb. 10 M 067, available for in 
service application through DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note (TN) 1000/
26 which include replacement of excenter axle-pulley assembly and 
installation of an elastomeric damper element between the propeller 
and upper pulley.
    This AD is revised to introduce optional modifications to allow 
resuming operation of an engine.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1130-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (81 FR 5944, February 4, 
2016) 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 (81 FR 5944, February 4, 2016) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (81 FR 5944, February 4, 2016).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR 51

    We reviewed Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion 
(English translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe 
(English translation: Dated) March 26, 2015; Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH 
Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-
17, Ausgabe (English translation: Dated) July 15, 2015; and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 2015, 
with 10M072 titled Propellermontage nach TM 1000-26 (English 
translation: Propeller assembly TN 1000-26), dated July 14, 2015. Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion (English translation: 
Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English translation: 
Dated) March 26, 2015, describes procedures for inspecting the 
propeller shaft for cracking and reporting the results to the 
manufacturer. Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Techniseche Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-17, Ausgabe (English 
translation: Dated) July 15, 2015, describes procedures for replacement 
of the excenter axle-pulley assembly. DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical 
note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 2015, describes procedures for 
removing the excenter axle-pulley assembly and sending it to Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH for modification with a new rear bearing, axle, and 
elastomeric damper element. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about .5 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic operational limitation requirement of this AD. 
The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this portion of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $85, or $42.50 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1.5 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic axle inspection (remove, inspect, and 
reinstall) requirement of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this portion of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $255, or $127.50 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the optional axle with drive belt pulley unit 
replacement and engine test run of this AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $100 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this optional AD 
action on U.S. operators to be $540, or $270 per product.
    We also estimate that it will take about .5 work-hour per product 
to comply with the removal of the operational limitation requirement 
after doing the optional replacement of this

[[Page 26126]]

AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD action on 
U.S. operators to be $85, or $42.50 per product.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is 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.

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-
1130; 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 39-18150 (80 FR 
25591, May 5, 2015) and adding the following new AD:

2015-09-04 R1 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-18492; Docket No. 
FAA-2015-1130; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 6, 
2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 FR 25591, 
May 5, 2015) (``AD 2015-09-04'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders, 
all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with a Solo Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 72: Engine.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as engine shaft 
failure with consequent propeller detachment. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the engine shaft with consequent propeller 
detachment, which could result in damage to the glider or injury of 
persons on the ground.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) As of November 25, 2013 (the effective date retained from AD 
2013-22-14, Amendment 39-17646 (78 FR 65869, November 4, 2013)), do 
not operate the engine unless the engine is modified following 
instructions that are FAA-approved specifically for this AD.
    (2) Modification of an engine following the instructions in Solo 
Kleinmotoren Service Bulletin 4603-14, dated April 28, 2014, is not 
an acceptable modification to comply with paragraph (f)(1) of this 
AD.
    (3) As of May 26, 2015 (the effective date retained from AD 
2015-09-04), place a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of 
the aircraft flight manual (AFM).
    (4) Within the next 30 days after May 26, 2015 (the effective 
date retained from AD 2015-09-04), do a one-time inspection 
(magnetic particle or dye penetrant) of the propeller shaft 
following Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion (English 
translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English 
translation: dated) March 26, 2015.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(4) of this AD:  This service information 
contains German to English translation. The EASA used the English 
translation in referencing the document. For enforceability 
purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service information 
as it appears on the document.

    (5) Within the next 30 days after May 26, 2015 (the effective 
date retained from AD 2015-09-04), report the results of the 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(4) of this AD to Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH. Include the serial number of the engine and the 
operational time since change of the axle in your report. You may 
find contact information for Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH in paragraph 
(i)(5) of this AD.
    (6) At any time after June 6, 2016 (the effective date of this 
AD), you may modify the engine following Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH 
Techniseche Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 
4603-17,

[[Page 26127]]

Ausgabe (English translation: Dated) July 15, 2015; and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 
2015, with 10M072 titled Propellermontage nach TM 1000-26 (English 
translation: Propeller assembly TN 1000-26), dated July 14, 2015. 
This modification allows engine operation.

    Note 2 to paragraph (f)(6) of this AD:  This service information 
contains German to English translation. The EASA used the English 
translation in referencing the document. For enforceability 
purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service information 
and the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH as it appears on the document.

    (7) Before further flight after doing the modification allowed 
in (f)(6) of this AD, remove the AD placed into the Limitations 
section of the AFM as required in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.

 (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, 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.: 
2015-0052R1, dated November 19, 2015, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1130-0002.

(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 service information was approved for IBR on 
June 6, 2016.
    (i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Techniseche Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-17, Ausgabe (English 
translation: Dated) July 15, 2015.

    Note 3 to paragraphs (i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD:  This 
service information contains German to English translation. The EASA 
used the English translation in referencing the document. For 
enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren 
service information and the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH as it appears on the 
document.

    (ii) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 1000/26, dated 
September 23, 2015, with 10M072 titled Propellermontage nach TM 
1000-26 (English translation: Propeller assembly TN 1000-26), dated 
July 14, 2015.
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
May 26, 2015 (80 FR 25591, May 5, 2015).
    (i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion (English 
translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English 
translation: Dated) March 26, 2015.

    Note 4 to paragraph (i)(4)(i) of this AD:  This service 
information contains German to English translation. The EASA used 
the English translation in referencing the document. For 
enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren 
service information as it appears on the document.

    (ii) Reserved.
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7031 301-0; fax: +49 7031 301-136; email: 
germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com/com.
    (6) 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1130.
    (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 11, 2016.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-08961 Filed 4-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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