Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15604-15606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-05082]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2022-1303; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01001-G; 
Amendment 39-22372; AD 2023-05-03]
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) 2022-14-
14, which applied to all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders. AD 2022-14-14 required 
repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and 
damage and replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin 
bushing, or any damage. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-14-14, the 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) superseded its mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) to add all Model ASW-15B 
gliders to the applicability. This AD is prompted by MCAI originated by 
an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an 
unsafe condition on an aviation product. This AD retains the 
requirements from AD 2022-14-14 of repetitively inspecting the wing 
root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib 
with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing or any damage; and 
revises the applicability by adding Model ASW-15B gliders and 
specifying that this AD applies to all Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders 
equipped with wooden wing root ribs. The FAA is issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 18, 2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 18, 
2023.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of August 
25, 2022 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022).

ADDRESSES: 
    AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FAA-2022-1303; 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, any comments received, the MCAI, 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.
    Material Incorporated by Reference:
    <bullet> 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: alexander-
schleicher.de.
    <bullet> 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 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1303.

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 to supersede AD 2022-14-14, Amendment 39-22119 (87 FR 
43403, July 21, 2022) (AD 2022-14-14). AD 2022-14-14 applied to all 
serial-numbered Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model 
ASW-15 gliders. AD 2022-14-14 required repetitively inspecting the wing 
root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib 
with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage. The FAA 
issued AD 2022-14-14 to detect and correct damaged root ribs.
    The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 26, 2022 (87 
FR 64734; corrected November 10, 2022 (87 FR 67837)). The NPRM was 
prompted by EASA AD 2022-0146, dated July 11, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0146) 
(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 that wing root rib damage can also affect Model ASW-15B gliders, 
and the Model ASW-15B as well as the ASW-15 gliders require 
repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs and replacing any damaged 
wing root ribs. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at 
regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1303.
    In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to retain the requirements from AD 
2022-14-14 of repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, 
looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose 
rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage; and add the Model ASW-15B 
gliders to the applicability.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received comments from three individual commenters. The 
following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's 
response to each comment.

Request Regarding Applicability

    Three individual commenters requested that the FAA change the 
applicability of the proposed AD to specify that only Model ASW-15 and 
ASW-15B gliders equipped with

[[Page 15605]]

wooden wing root ribs would be affected. The commenters stated that 
EASA AD 2022-0146 and Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau 
ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022 (TN 29, Issue 
II), are for all models and serial numbers of ASW 15 gliders built with 
wooden wing root ribs and that in the proposed AD the FAA did not 
specify that only gliders equipped with wooden wing root ribs would be 
affected.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA revised paragraph (c), Applicability, of 
this AD to specify Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau 
Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in 
any category, equipped with wooden wing root ribs.

Request Regarding On-Condition Costs

    An individual commenter requested that the FAA increase the 
proposed work-hour estimates in the NPRM for replacing all wing root 
ribs. The individual stated that the estimate of 8 work-hours to 
replace all wing root ribs is a significant underestimate.
    The FAA agrees. The FAA researched the work-hour estimate for 
replacing all four wing root ribs and has since determined that it 
should be an estimate of 55 work-hours. Based on this information, the 
FAA revised the on-condition cost estimate in this final rule to 
include 55 work-hours for the replacement of all four wing root ribs.

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, 
considered the comments received, 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. Except for 
any changes described previously, 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 
ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022 (TN 29, Issue 
II). This service information specifies replacement of wooden wing root 
ribs with new ribs.
    This AD also requires Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, dated June 28, 2021; 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair 
instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 
28, 2021; and Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021, which the 
Director of the Federal Register approved for incorporation by 
reference as of August 25, 2022 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022).
    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 Service Information

    TN 29, Issue II, specifies the exchange of page 22A and page 27A of 
the Flight and Operations Manual for the Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B 
gliders, respectively, with a new version of those pages and then 
specifies documenting this change on page 3, Amendments, of the 
respective manual, and the MCAI and this AD do not.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 29 gliders of U.S. registry.
    The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
            Action                  Labor cost            Parts cost          Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection of root ribs.......  1 work-hour x $85  Not Applicable..........  $85 per            $2,465 per
                                 per hour = $85.                              inspection cycle.  inspection
                                                                                                 cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of the 
inspection. The agency has no data to determine the number of gliders 
that might need these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace all four root ribs....................  55 work-hours x $85 per hour =            $1,000          $5,675
                                                 $4,675.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

[[Page 15606]]

    (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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive AD 2022-14-14, Amendment 39-22119 
(87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022); and
0
b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive:

2023-05-03 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau: 
Amendment 39-22372; Docket No. FAA-2022-1303; Project Identifier 
MCAI-2022-01001-G.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 2023.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2022-14-14, Amendment 39-22119 (87 FR 43403, 
July 21, 2022) (AD 2022-14-14).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category, equipped with wooden wing 
root ribs.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5712, Wing, Rib/
Bulkhead.

(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 wing root rib 
damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged 
root ribs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the wing assembly, which could lead 
to loss of control of the glider.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Required Actions

    (1) For Model ASW-15 gliders: Within 30 days after August 25, 
2022 (effective date of AD 2022-14-14), and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 12 months, inspect all wing root ribs (4 places) for 
cracks, looseness, and damage, in accordance with the Action section 
in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021. If there is 
a crack in any root rib, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any 
damage, before further flight, replace the root rib in accordance 
with Action paragraph (B) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, dated June 28, 2021, and 
steps 1 through 7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root 
ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021; or Action paragraph 
(C) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022, and steps 1 through 
7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair 
instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated 
June 28, 2021.
    (2) For Model ASW-15B gliders: Within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
12 months, inspect all wing root ribs (4 places) for cracks, 
looseness, and damage, in accordance with the Action section in 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance 
Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021. If there is a crack in 
any root rib, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage, before 
further flight, replace the root rib in accordance with Action 
paragraph (C) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau 
ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022, and steps 1 
through 7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, 
dated June 28, 2021.
    (3) For Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders: Replacing all four 
wing root ribs with new ribs is terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections required by this AD.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in Sec.  39.19. In accordance with Sec.  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, mail 
it to the address identified in paragraph (i)(2) of this AD or email 
to: [email protected]. If mailing information, also submit 
information by email. 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) Additional Information

    (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2022-0146, dated July 11, 2022, for related information. This EASA 
AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FAA-2022-1303.
    (2) 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].

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
April 18, 2023.
    (i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 25, 2022 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022).
    (i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021.
    (ii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, 
dated June 28, 2021.
    (iii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 
Technical Note 29, dated June 28, 2021.
    (5) 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: alexander-
schleicher.de.
    (6) 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.
    (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, email: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on March 5, 2023.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-05082 Filed 3-13-23; 8:45 am]
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