Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9437-9439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03591]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-1015; Project Identifier 2019-CE-014-AD; Amendment 
39-21942; AD 2022-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth 
Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau 
GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo 
Model 2350C or 2350D engine installed. 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 failure of the bearing of the upper pulley of the belt 
driven reduction gear resulting in separation of the propeller from the 
engine. This AD requires replacing a certain hex-nut and establishing a 
life limit for the ball bearing assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 29, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 29, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, D71050 Sindelfingen, 
Germany; phone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: 
germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; website: http://aircraft.solo-online.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://

[[Page 9438]]

www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1015.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1015; 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 
Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo 
Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350C or 
2350D engine, all serial numbers, installed. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on December 1, 2021 (86 FR 68168). The NPRM was 
prompted by MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2019-0029, dated February 8, 2019 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe 
condition on Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350B, 2350BS, 2350C, 
and 2350D engines. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence was reported of failure of the bearing of the 
upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear, resulting in 
separation of the propeller from the engine.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to similar 
occurrences, with possible reduced control of, and damage to, the 
aircraft.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Solo redesigned the 
nut securing the pulley bearing on the axle and introduced a life 
time limit of 15 years for the reduction gear bearings.
    For the reason stated above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement 
of affected parts with serviceable parts, and introduces a life 
limit for the affected ball bearings.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1015.

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 
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 Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, 
dated January 22, 2019. The service information specifies procedures 
for replacing the hex-nut at the excentric axle and the ball bearing 
assemblies at the bearing block of the reduction gear. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    The MCAI applies to Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350B, 
2350BS, 2350C, and 2350D engines. None of these model engines have an 
FAA engine type certificate. However, Model 2350C and Model 2350D 
engines are certificated by the FAA with the type certificate for 
certain gliders. This AD does not apply to Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo 
Model 2350B and 2350BS engines because they are not part of an FAA 
glider type design.
    The MCAI requires replacing an affected ball bearing assembly 
before it accumulates 15 years since first installation on an engine. 
This AD requires replacing both ball bearing assemblies simultaneously 
before either accumulates 15 years since first installation on an 
engine.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 gliders of U.S. registry. 
The FAA estimates that for gliders with an affected hex-nut, 
replacement would take about 0.5 work-hour and require a part costing 
$95. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these 
figures, the FAA estimates the cost to replace the hex-nut on U.S. 
operators to be $1,380 (assuming all 10 gliders have this 
configuration) or $138 per glider.
    In addition, the FAA estimates that for gliders with the affected 
ball bearing assemblies, replacement would take about 4 work-hours for 
both ball bearing assemblies and require ball bearing assemblies 
costing $118 (2 units). The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. 
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of the ball bearing 
assembly replacement on U.S. operators to be $4,580 (assuming all 10 
gliders have this configuration) or $458 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 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.

[[Page 9439]]

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:

2022-04-01 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH 
Gliders: Amendment 39-21942; Docket No. FAA-2021-1015; Project 
Identifier 2019-CE-014-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 29, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders 
and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders, 
certificated in any category, with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo 
Model 2350C or 2350D engine, all serial numbers, installed.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine 
(Turbine/Turboprop).

(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 failure of the 
bearing of the upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear. The 
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller from 
the engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
loss of control of the glider.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove 
the nut installed at the excentric axle from service and replace it 
with a nut in accordance with the Condition section, paragraph a), 
of Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated January 
22, 2019.
    (2) Before either ball bearing assembly at the bearing block of 
the reduction gear accumulates 15 years since first installation on 
an engine or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 
years, remove both ball bearing assemblies from service and replace 
with new (zero hours time-in-service) ball bearing assemblies in 
accordance with the Condition section, paragraph b), of Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated January 22, 2019.
    (3) After replacing the ball bearing assemblies required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, record compliance in the aircraft log 
book. The entry must include: (1) Reduction gear part number (P/N) 
and serial number; and (2) date ball bearing assemblies were 
replaced.
    (4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a hex-
nut P/N 0028143 on any engine.
    (5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install ball 
bearing assembly P/N 0050110 on any engine unless it is new (zero 
hours time-in-service).

(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 
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.

(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; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0029, dated February 8, 2019, 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-2021-1015.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference 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) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated 
January 22, 2019.
    Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information contains 
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in 
referencing the document from Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH. 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 Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, D71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
phone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; website: http://aircraft.solo-online.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 February 1, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03591 Filed 2-18-22; 8:45 am]
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