Airworthiness Directives; Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7681-7683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02717]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00800-G; 
Amendment 39-21925; AD 2022-03-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & 
Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob 
Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und 
Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) 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 
Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate 
previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob 
Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Model 
G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C 
TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL 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 corrosion on the elevator control pushrod. This AD 
requires inspecting the elevator control pushrod for water and 
corrosion and replacing the pushrod if necessary. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D-
88487 Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: 
Lindner.com">info@LTB-Lindner.com; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.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 
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal 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; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fiberglas-Technik 
Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 
TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III 
SL gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 
2021 (86 FR 59903). 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 
2020-0138, dated June 19, 2020 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf 
Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN 
II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL 
gliders. The MCAI states:

    During a routine inspection, a severely corroded elevator 
control pushrod was found in the vertical fin on a Grob TWIN ASTIR 
sailplane. The technical investigation results revealed that water 
had soaked into the elevator control pushrod, causing the corrosion 
damage and subsequent considerable weakening of the steel tube 
pushrod.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the elevator control pushrod, possibly resulting in loss 
of control of the sailplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Fiberglas-Technik R. Lindner 
GmbH & Co.KG published the [technische mitteilung/service bulletin] 
TM/SB and [anweisung/

[[Page 7682]]

instructions] A/I-G09, at original issue, providing instructions for 
elevator control pushrod inspection and replacement. Prompted by 
this development, EASA issued AD 2020-0121 to require a one-time 
inspection of the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin and, 
depending on findings, replacement.
    After EASA AD 2020-0121 was issued, it was determined that Grob 
G 103 ``TWIN II'' sailplanes, and additional Grob G 103 A ``TWIN II 
ACRO'' sailplanes, are also prone to elevator control pushrod 
corrosion and Fiberglas-Technik R.Lindner GmbH & Co.KG issued the 
TM/SB to make the inspection instructions applicable to these 
sailplane models.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2020-0121, which is superseded, and expands 
the Applicability.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0944.

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 Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/
Instructions (A/I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service 
information provides instructions to inspect the elevator control 
pushrod for water and corrosion, replace the elevator control pushrod 
if any water or corrosion is found, and apply corrosion prevention if 
no water and no corrosion are found. 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.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Service 
Bulletin (SB-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service 
information refers to the instructions in A/I-G09 to inspect and 
replace the elevator control pushrod on various gliders.
    The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Service Bulletin TM 315-34, dated 
December 8, 1987. This service information provides effectivity, 
reason, and high-level instructions for inspecting and replacing the 
elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II ACRO gliders.
    The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Repair Instructions No. 315-34 for 
Service Bulletin TM 315-34, dated December 8, 1987. This service 
information provides more detailed instructions for inspecting and 
replacing the elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II 
ACRO gliders.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI applies to Model ASTIR CS 77, ASTIR CS Jeans, CLUB ASTIR 
II, STANDARD ASTIR II, TWIN ASTIR TRAINER, GROB G 103 C ``TWIN III,'' 
ASTIR CS 77 TOP, ASTIR CS JEANS TOP, and ASTIR CS TOP gliders. This AD 
does not apply to these model gliders because they do not have an FAA 
type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 149 gliders of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates that it would take about 4 work-hours per 
glider to inspect the elevator control pushrod and require parts 
costing $100. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these figures, the FAA estimates the cost to inspect the elevator 
control pushrod on U.S. operators to be $65,560 or $440 per glider.
    In addition, the FAA estimates that for gliders with water or 
corrosion within the elevator control pushrod, replacement would take 
about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $500. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates 
the cost to replace the elevator control pushrod on U.S. operators to 
be $1,180 per glider.

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:

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:

2022-03-08 Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG): Amendment 39-21925; Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00800-G.

[[Page 7683]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following gliders, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type 
certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG, GROB TFE, GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (a division of Burkhart 
Grob Flugzeugbau)) Model G102 ASTIR CS.
    (2) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type 
certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, 
G103 C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2730, Elevator 
Control System.

(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 corrosion on the 
elevator control pushrod. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the elevator control pushrod and loss of 
control of the glider.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect the elevator control pushrod in the 
vertical fin for water and corrosion and replace the elevator 
control pushrod before further flight if there is any water or 
corrosion in accordance with the Actions and Instructions, paragraph 
3, of Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-
G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020.
    (2) If no water and no corrosion is detected, before further 
flight, treat the inside of the elevator control pushrod with 
corrosion preventative LPS 3 or equivalent.
    (3) If required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you must replace 
the elevator control pushrod before further flight with an elevator 
control pushrod that has zero hours TIS or with an elevator control 
pushrod that has passed the inspection in accordance with paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed these actions before the 
effective date of this AD using Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner 
Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-G09), dated April 8, 2020.

(i) 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 (j)(1) of this AD 
and email to: [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.

(j) 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; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0138, dated June 19, 2020, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944.

(k) 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) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/
I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020.

    Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): This service information contains 
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in 
referencing the document from Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner. For 
enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the service information 
in English as it appears on the document.

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D-88487 
Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: Lindner.com">info@LTB-Lindner.com; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.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 (817) 222-5110.
    (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 January 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02717 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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