Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 116 (Thursday, June 16, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36219-36221]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-12869]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-0293; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-01125-G; 
Amendment 39-22079; AD 2022-12-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 75-23-03 
for all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander 
Schleicher) Model Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K 7, K 
8, and AS-K 13 gliders. AD 75-23-03 required visually inspecting the 
glue joint between the elevator nose rib number 1 and the nose plywood 
skin and replacing the glue joint if insufficient glue adhesion was 
found. Since the FAA issued AD 75-23-03, the European Union Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) superseded prior EASA ADs for the unsafe condition 
on these products. This AD adds the Model K 8 B gliders to the 
applicability and requires repetitively inspecting the glue joint at 
elevator rib number 1 and repairing any damage found. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 21, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-
Schleicher-Str. 1, Poppenhausen, Germany D-36163; phone: +49 (0) 06658 
89-0; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.alexander-schleicher.de. 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-2022-0293.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0293; 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 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (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,

[[Page 36220]]

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 to supersede AD 75-23-03, Amendment 39-2414 (40 FR 50706, 
October 31, 1975) (AD 75-23-03). AD 75-23-03 applied to all Alexander 
Schleicher Model Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K 7, K 
8, and AS-K 13 gliders. AD 75-23-03 required visually inspecting the 
glue joint between the elevator nose rib number 1 and the nose plywood 
skin and replacing the glue joint if insufficient glue adhesion was 
found.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 28, 2022 (87 FR 
17204). The NPRM was prompted by AD 2021-0230, dated October 14, 2021 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), issued by EASA, which is the 
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI 
states:

    An occurrence was reported of structural failure of an elevator 
during winch launching of a K 7 sailplane. Subsequent investigation 
results determined that the occurrence was due to damaged glue of 
the elevator's rib No. 1.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the 
structural integrity of an elevator, possibly resulting in reduced 
control of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Schleicher issued 
the glued joint inspection TN [Technical Note], as defined in this 
[EASA] AD, to provide inspection instructions and LBA Germany issued 
AD 72-7 (later revised) to require those actions.
    Since that [LBA Germany] AD was issued, additional similar 
occurrences were reported of structural elevator failure, also on 
(powered) sailplanes originally not affected by LBA 72-7/3. Prompted 
by this development, Schleicher issued the applicable TN, providing 
inspections instructions for all (powered) sailplanes having an 
elevator of a similar design and making the inspections dependent 
also on the number of take-offs.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD supersedes LBA 
Germany AD 72-7/3 [dated December 13, 1989] and requires repetitive 
inspections of the elevator and, depending on findings, 
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).

    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting 
the glue joint between elevator rib number 1 and the plywood skin and 
repairing if necessary. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to add Model 
K 8 B gliders to the applicability. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
prevent structural failure of an elevator, which could lead to loss of 
glider control.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-
0293.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

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

Conclusion

    These products have been approved by the aviation authority of 
another country and are 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 the 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 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau 
Appendix 01-2021, Flight and Operating Manual, dated March 1, 2021. 
This service information specifies procedures for protecting the glider 
from moisture and repetitively inspecting the glue joint between 
elevator rib number 1 and the plywood skin. 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.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI applies to Model ASK 16, ASK 16B, ASK 18, ASK 18 B, K 8 C, 
and Ka 6/0 gliders, and this AD does not because they do not have an 
FAA type certificate.
    This AD includes the Model Ka2B glider whereas the MCAI does not.
    Although the technical notes required by the MCAI specify to report 
findings of damage to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that 
action.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 83 gliders of U.S. registry. 
The FAA also estimates that it will take 4 work-hours per glider to 
inspect the glue joint at elevator rib number 1 and requires parts 
costing $50. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost on U.S. 
operators to be $32,370 or $390 per glider, per inspection cycle.
    The FAA estimates that replacing the glue joint, if necessary, 
takes 8 work-hours and requires parts costing $250 for an estimated 
cost of $930 per glider. The FAA has no way of determining the number 
of gliders that may need this action.

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

    The FAA has 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 that 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,

[[Page 36221]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 75-23-03, Amendment 39-2414 (40 FR 
50706, October 31, 1975); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2022-12-07 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau: 
Amendment 39-22079; Docket No. FAA-2022-0293; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2021-01125-G.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 21, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 75-23-03, Amendment 39-2414 (40 FR 50706, 
October 31, 1975).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Model Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, 
K 7, K 8, K 8 B, and AS-K 13 gliders, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5521, Elevator, 
Spar/Rib Structure.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    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 structural 
failure of an elevator during winch launching. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to prevent structural failure of an elevator, which could 
lead to loss of glider control.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Actions

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months or 500 flight 
cycles, whichever occurs first, inspect the glue joint between 
elevator rib number 1 and the plywood skin for damage by following 
section 3 of Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau 
Appendix 01-2021, Flight and Operating Manual, dated March 1, 2021. 
For purposes of this AD, a flight cycle would be counted anytime the 
glider launches and then lands. If there is any damage on the glue 
joint, repair before further flight.

 (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 International Validation Branch, 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 Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2021-0230, dated October 14, 2021, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for 
and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0293.

(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) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Appendix 
01-2021, Flight and Operating Manual, dated March 1, 2021.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-
Schleicher-Str. 1, Poppenhausen, Germany D-36163; phone: +49 (0) 
06658 89-0; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.alexander-schleicher.de.
    (4) 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.
    (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 June 6, 2022.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-12869 Filed 6-15-22; 8:45 am]
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