Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG- 500M Gliders

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9734-9736]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3795]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-131-AD; Amendment 39-10342; AD 98-04-30]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-
500M Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Direct final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (DG Flugzeugbau) Model DG-
500M gliders. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the propeller 
mounting plate for cracks, replacing any cracked propeller mounting 
plate, and modifying the bolt connections of the propeller mounting 
plate. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. 
The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent the propeller 
mounting plate from separating from the glider, which could result in 
propeller separation and possible loss of control of the glider.

DATES: Effective May 15, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 15, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 19, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-131-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, P.O. Box 4120, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany; telephone: 
+49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. This information may also be 
examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-131-
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, Aerospace Engineer, 
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

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority 
for Germany, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may 
exist on all DG Flugzeugbau Model DG-500M airplanes. The LBA reports 
that, during an inspection, cracks were found on the lower end of the 
propeller mounting plate near the bolt connections on one of the 
affected gliders.
    This condition, if not corrected in a timely manner, could result 
in separation of the propeller mounting plate from the glider, which 
could result in propeller separation and possible loss of control of 
the glider.

Relevant Service Information

    DG Flugzeugbau has issued Technical Note TN 843/8, dated April 10, 
1997, which specifies procedures for inspecting the propeller mounting 
plate for cracks, replacing any cracked propeller mounting plate, and 
modifying the bolt connections of the propeller mounting plate.
    The LBA classified this technical note as mandatory and issued 
German AD 97-224, dated July 31, 1997, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these airplanes in Germany.

The FAA's Determination

    This glider model is manufactured in Germany and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above.
    The FAA has examined the findings of the LBA; reviewed all 
available information, including the service information referenced 
above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this 
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of the Provisions of This AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other DG Flugzeugbau Model DG-500M gliders of the 
same type design registered in the United States, the FAA is issuing an 
AD. This AD requires inspecting the propeller mounting plate for 
cracks, replacing any cracked propeller mounting plate, and modifying 
the bolt connections of the propeller mounting plate.

[[Page 9735]]

Accomplishment of the actions of this AD would be required in 
accordance with the previously referenced technical note.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5 gliders in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 5 workhours per 
glider to accomplish the initial inspection required by this AD, and 
that the average labor rate is approximately $60 per work hour. Parts 
cost approximately $120 per glider. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,100, or $420 
per airplane. These figures are only based on the cost of the initial 
inspection and do not take into account the cost of repetitive 
inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the number of repetitive 
inspections each owner/operator of the affected gliders will incur.

The Direct Final Rule Procedure

    The FAA anticipates that this regulation will not result in adverse 
or negative comment and therefore is issuing it as a direct final rule. 
The requirements of this direct final rule address an unsafe condition 
identified by a foreign civil airworthiness authority and do not impose 
a significant burden on affected operators. In accordance with section 
11.17 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 11.17), unless a 
written adverse or negative comment, or a written notice of intent to 
submit an adverse or negative comment, is received within the comment 
period, the regulation will become effective on the date specified 
above. After the close of the comment period, the FAA will publish a 
document in the Federal Register indicating that no adverse or negative 
comments were received and confirming the date on which the final rule 
will become effective. If the FAA does receive, within the comment 
period, a written adverse or negative comment, or written notice of 
intent to submit such a comment, a document withdrawing the direct 
final rule will be published in the Federal Register, and a notice of 
proposed rulemaking may be published with a new comment period.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 97-CE-131-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is noncontroversial and 
unlikely to result in adverse or negative comments. For reasons 
discussed in the preamble, I certify that this regulation (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 final 
evaluation has been prepared for this action and is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from 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:

98-04-30  Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-10342; Docket 
No. 97-CE-131-AD.

    Applicability: Model DG-500M gliders, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each glider 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 gliders 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent the propeller mounting plate from separating from the 
glider, which could result in propeller separation and possible loss 
of control of the glider, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
25 hours TIS, inspect the propeller mounting plate for cracks in 
accordance with the Instructions section of DG Flugzeugbau Technical 
Note TN 843/8, dated April 10, 1997.
    (b) If any cracked propeller mounting plate is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, replace any cracked propeller mounting plate with a new 
propeller mounting plate or FAA-approved propeller mounting plate in 
accordance with the above-referenced technical note.
    (c) Within the next 5 hours TIS after the effective date of this 
AD, modify the bolt connections of the propeller mounting plate by 
inserting an aluminum plate between the

[[Page 9736]]

propeller mounting plate and the washers of the bolt connections. 
Accomplish this modification in accordance with DG Flugzeugbau 
Technical Note TN 843/8, dated April 10, 1997.
    (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 glider 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 
used if 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 DG Flugzeugbau 
Technical Note TN 843/8 dated April 10, 1997, should be directed to 
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, P.O. Box 4120, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. This service 
information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City.
    (g) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall 
be done in accordance with DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note TN 843/8 
dated April 10, 1997. 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 DG Flugzeugbau 
GmbH, P.O. Box 4120, 76625 Bruchsal, 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 97-224, 
dated July 31, 1997.

    (h) This amendment (39-10342) becomes effective on May 15, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-3795 Filed 2-25-98; 8:45 am]
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