Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 244 (Thursday, December 23, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72836-72838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27774]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0716; Project Identifier 2019-CE-023-AD; Amendment 
39-21799; AD 2021-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders. 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 an airspeed indicator (ASI) with speed markings 
inconsistent with the approved and published values. This AD requires 
inspecting the ASI markings and, depending on findings, either 
replacing the ASI or amending the existing aircraft flight manual (AFM) 
until the ASI is replaced. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective January 27, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 27, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg, 
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; email: 
[email protected]; website: https://www.stemme.com. You may view 
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, 
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 
329-4148. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0716.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0716; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal

[[Page 72837]]

holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the MCAI, any 
comments received, and other information. The address for Docket 
Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Stemme AG Model 
Stemme S 12 gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on 
August 27, 2021 (86 FR 48065). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated 
by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA 
issued EASA AD 2019-0082, dated April 12, 2019 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on Stemme AG Model 
Stemme S 12 gliders. The MCAI states:

    During a production inspection of a new powered sailplane, an 
ASI was found with speed markings inconsistent with the approved and 
published values (begin[ning] of the white and green arc). 
Subsequent investigation of the production records for delivered 
Stemme S 12 powered sailplanes does not exclude that a similar, non-
conforming ASI was installed during production.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to erroneous 
information being provided to the pilot, particularly at the lower 
speed operation limits, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
powered sailplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Stemme AG issued the SB 
[service bulletin] to provide inspections instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the markings of the affected part and, depending 
on findings, amending the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) and replacing 
the affected part. This [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of 
affected parts.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0716.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Stemme Service Bulletin No. P062-980027, Revision 
00, dated December 17, 2018. The service information specifies checking 
the ASI markings and provides illustrations of correct markings. The 
service information specifies the procedure to replace an affected ASI 
with an ASI with correct markings. The service information also 
includes a temporary page to insert into the AFM until the ASI is 
replaced. 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 ADDRESSES.[FEDREG][VOL]*[/
VOL][NO]*[/NO][DATE]*[/DATE][RULES][RULE][PREAMB][AGENCY]*[/
AGENCY][SUBJECT]*[/SUBJECT][/PREAMB][SUPLINF][HED]*[/HED]

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 gliders of U.S. registry. 
The FAA estimates it would take about 0.5 work-hour per glider to 
comply with the inspection requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $850 or $42.50 per glider.
    The FAA estimates that amending the AFM to insert and then remove 
the temporary page as a result of the inspection would take about 1 
work-hour per glider for a total cost of $85 per glider. The FAA 
estimates that replacing the ASI would take about 3.5 work-hours and 
require parts costing $603, for a total cost of $900.50 per glider. The 
FAA has no way of determining the number of gliders that may need these 
actions.
    The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate. 
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD 
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on 
affected operators.

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.
    The FAA is 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

    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 that 
this AD. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

[[Page 72838]]

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 airworthiness 
directive:

2021-23-01 Stemme AG: Amendment 39-21799; Docket No. FAA-2021-0716; 
Project Identifier 2019-CE-023-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 27, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3414, Airspeed/Mach 
Indicator.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 an airspeed 
indicator (ASI) with speed markings inconsistent with the approved 
and published values (beginning of the white and green arc). The FAA 
is issuing this AD to prevent erroneous information being provided 
to the pilot, particularly at the lower speed operation limits. The 
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control 
of the glider.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, inspect 
ASI part number (P/N) IF-W230 or IF-W190 for incorrect markings in 
accordance with the table in the Appendix, ``2.3. Airspeed Indicator 
Markings,'' of Stemme Service Bulletin No. P062-980027, Revision 00, 
dated December 17, 2018 (the SB). If an ASI marking is incorrect, 
before further flight, perform one of the following:
    (i) Replace the ASI by following the Actions, Action 2, of the 
SB; or
    (ii) Amend the existing aircraft flight manual (AFM) for your 
glider by inserting the Appendix, temporary page 2-3 SB, ``2.3. 
Airspeed Indicator Markings,'' of the SB. Within 3 months after 
amending the AFM, replace the ASI by following the Actions, Action 
2, of the SB and remove temporary page 2-3 SB, ``2.3. Airspeed 
Indicator Markings,'' from the AFM.[FEDREG][VOL]*[/VOL][NO]*[/
NO][DATE]*[/DATE][RULES][RULE][PREAMB][AGENCY]*[/AGENCY][SUBJECT]*[/
SUBJECT][/PREAMB][SUPLINF][HED]*[/HED]
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install ASI P/N 
IF-W230 or IF-W190 on any glider unless it has passed the inspection 
required by this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD or 
email: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2019-0082, dated April 12, 2019, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2021-0716.

(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.
    (i) Stemme Service Bulletin No. P062-980027, Revision 00, dated 
December 17, 2018.
    Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information has Feb-
29 and July 14, 2017, in the footer of every page on the document. 
Feb-29 refers to the form number and July 14, 2017, is the revision 
date of the form used to write the service information. The 
signature block on the bottom of page 1 contains a release date and 
an approval date. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the 
Stemme AG service information using the release date of December 17, 
2018, that is used in EASA AD 2019-0082, dated April 12, 2019.
    Note 2 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information contains 
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in 
referencing the document from Stemme AG. For enforceability 
purposes, the FAA will cite the Stemme AG service information in 
English as it appears on the document.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg, 
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; 
email: [email protected]; website: https://www.stemme.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on October 25, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27774 Filed 12-22-21; 8:45 am]
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