Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-19 Sailplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 155 (Wednesday, August 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43070-43071]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-21492]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-05-AD; Amendment 39-10704; AD 98-17-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau 
Model ASW-19 Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander 
Schleicher) Model ASW-19 sailplanes. This AD requires inspecting the 
tow release cable guide fittings for the correct mounting, and, if the 
fittings are mounted in the front of the bulkhead, moving the fitting 
to the rear of the bulkhead and adjusting the neutral travel of the 
cable. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent premature 
release of the tow cable during take-off, which could result in loss of 
the sailplane.

DATES: Effective September 26, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 26, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, 
Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany. This information may also be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-05-
AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Kiesov, Project Officer, 
Sailplanes/Gliders, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to certain Alexander 
Schleicher Model ASW-19 sailplanes was published in the Federal 
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 19, 1998 (63 
FR 27514). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the tow release 
cable guide fitting for the proper location on the bulkhead. If the 
cable guide release fitting is mounted on the front of the bulkhead, 
the NPRM proposed to require removing the cable guide release fitting, 
remounting it on the rear of the bulkhead, and adjusting the cable's 
neutral travel. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in 
the NPRM would be in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical 
Note No. 18, dated July 3, 1984.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA's Determination

    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.

[[Page 43071]]

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 100 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD.
    Accomplishing the inspection will take approximately 1 workhour per 
sailplane, at an average labor rate of approximately $60 an hour. Based 
on these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $6,000, or $60 per sailplane.
    The modification will take approximately 2 workhours, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per hour. Parts cost approximately $20 per sailplane. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the modification on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $14,000, or $140 per sailplane.

Compliance Time of This AD

    The compliance time of this AD is in calendar time instead of hours 
time-in-service (TIS). The average monthly usage of the affected 
sailplane ranges throughout the fleet. For example, one owner may 
operate the sailplane 25 hours TIS in one week, while another operator 
may operate the sailplane 25 hours TIS in one year. In order to ensure 
that all of the owners/operators of the affected sailplane have 
inspected the mount location of the tow release cable guide fitting 
within a reasonable amount of time, the FAA is utilizing a compliance 
time of 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the 
caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

98-17-02 Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau: Amendment 39-10704; 
Docket No. 98-CE-05-AD.

    Applicability: Model ASW-19 sailplanes, serial numbers 19001 
through 19405, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For sailplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.
    Compliance: Required within the next 90 days after the effective 
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent premature release of the tow cable during take-off, 
which could result in loss of the sailplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Inspect the tow release cable guide fittings for a front or 
rear mount on the bulkhead of the sailplane in accordance with the 
Action section in Alexander Schleicher Technical Note (TN) No. 18, 
dated July 3, 1984.
    (b) If the cable guide fitting is mounted on the front of the 
bulkhead, prior to further flight, remove the fitting and remount 
the cable guide fitting on the rear of the bulkhead in accordance 
with the Action section in Alexander Schleicher TN No. 18, dated 
July 3, 1984.
    (c) After remounting the cable fitting, prior to further flight, 
check the neutral travel of the cable and adjust if necessary, in 
accordance with the Actions section in Alexander Schleicher TN No. 
18, dated July 3, 1984.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the sailplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (f) Questions or technical information related to Alexander 
Schleicher Technical Note No. 18, dated July 3, 1984, should be 
directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 
Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 
49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 
49.6658.8940. This service information may be examined at the FAA, 
entral Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (g) The inspection and modification required by this AD shall be 
done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 18, 
dated July 3, 1984. This incorporation by reference was approved by 
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from to Alexander 
Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal 
Republic of Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD No. 84-
115, dated July 16, 1984.

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 26, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 4, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-21492 Filed 8-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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