Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Model G102 ASTIR CS Sailplanes

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 160 (Friday, August 18, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47702-47706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13439]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24253; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD; 
Amendment 39-14723; AD 2006-17-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Model G102 
ASTIR CS Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 84-09-05, 
which applies to certain GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (previously identified 
as BURKHART-GROB FLUGZEUGBAU INDUSTRIESTRABE) Model G102 ASTIR CS 
sailplanes. AD 84-09-05 requires you to install a modified spherical 
locking bolt and nut in the forward horizontal stabilizer connection to 
the vertical stabilizer and install new locking pins in the aft 
connecting plate for the horizontal stabilizer. Since we issued AD 84-
09-05, fatigue cracks were found in the modified spherical locking 
bolt. Consequently, this AD requires you to replace the modified 
spherical locking bolt, the retaining pins (collar bolts), and 
associated hardware; add a life limit on the spherical locking bolt and 
the retaining pins; and repetitively inspect the front and rear 
horizontal stabilizer attachment. This AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness 
authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the 
spherical locking bolt, which could result in failure of the horizontal 
stabilizer connection. This failure could lead to loss of control.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on September 22, 2006.
    As of September 22, 2006, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact GROB 
Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, 
Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; fax: 011 49 
8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected].
    To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2006-24253; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace 
Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On May 30, 2006, we issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that 
would apply to certain GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (previously identified 
as BURKHART-GROB FLUGZEUGBAU INDUSTRIESTRABE) Model G102 ASTIR CS 
sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

[[Page 47703]]

on June 6, 2006 (71 FR 32484). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 84-09-
05 with a new AD that would require you to do the following:
    <bullet> Remove the existing spherical locking bolt, nut, retaining 
pins (collar bolts), self-locking nut, and the lock washer; and replace 
with a new spherical locking bolt, P/N 102-3500.21, that has revision 
letter ``b'' permanently marked on the bottom of the bolt, a new nut, 
P/N 102-3510.21, new retaining pins (collar bolts), P/N 102-2142.46, a 
new self-locking nut, P/N LN9348-M8, and a new lock washer, P/N DIN 
6797-10,5PHR;
    <bullet> Add a life limit on the new spherical locking bolt and the 
retaining pins; and
    <bullet> Inspect (repetitively) the front and rear horizontal 
stabilizer attachment assembly after the initial replacements.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the proposal 
and FAA's response to each comment:

Comment Issue No. 1: Address the Intent of the AD as It Affects Parts 
Manufacturer Approval (PMA) Alternatives to the Original Equipment 
Manufacturer (OEM) Part

    The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) provides 
comments to the mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
AD process pertaining to how the FAA addresses PMA parts. The commenter 
would like to see the FAA more fully address the intent of the AD as it 
affects PMA alternatives to the unsafe OEM part.
    We acknowledge the need to ensure that unsafe parts are identified 
and addressed in MCAI-related ADs. For this AD, we use the phrase ``or 
FAA-approved equivalent part number'' to address the PMA issue. We are 
currently examining all aspects of this issue, including input from 
industry. Once we have made a final determination, we will consider how 
our policy regarding PMA parts in ADs needs to be revised. We consider 
that to delay this AD action would be inappropriate since we have 
determined that an unsafe condition exists and that replacement of 
certain parts must be accomplished to ensure continued safety.
    We have not changed the final rule AD action based on this comment.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed 
except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these 
minor corrections:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Differences Between This AD and the Service Information

    The service information specifies using a 20X magnifying glass for 
doing the inspections. This AD specifies using a dye penetrant method 
and a 10X magnifying glass for doing the inspections. This difference 
is because 20X magnifiers are not readily available in the field.
    The requirements of this AD take precedence over the provisions in 
the service information.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 56 sailplanes in the U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to do the replacements:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total cost for   Total cost on
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost    each sailplane  U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $80 per hour = $160..............................            $253            $413         $23,128
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do each inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Total cost for   Total cost on
                           Labor cost                               Parts cost    each sailplane  U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work-hours x $80 per hour = $160..............................  Not applicable            $160          $8,960
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    We are 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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    We have 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. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and 
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and placed 
it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by sending a 
request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket 
No. FAA-2006-24253;

[[Page 47704]]

Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD'' in your request.


List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under 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

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. FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 84-
09-05, Amendment 39-4849, and adding the following new AD:

2006-17-02 GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (previously identified as 
BURKHART-GROB FLUGZEUGBAU INDUSTRIESTRABE): Amendment 39-14723; 
Docket No. FAA-2006-24253; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective on September 22, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes 84-09-05, Amendment 39-4849.

Applicability

    (c) This AD affects Model G102 ASTIR CS sailplanes, serial 
numbers 1001 through 1536, that are certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for 
Germany. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the spherical 
locking bolt, which could result in failure of the horizontal 
stabilizer connection. This failure could lead to loss of control.

Compliance

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove and replace as
 follows:
    (i) Remove the existing   Within the next 90    As specified in GROB
     retaining pins (collar    days after            Service Bulletin
     bolts) and the self-      September 22, 2006    MSB306-38/1, dated
     locking nut and replace   (the effective date   November 28, 2005,
     with new retaining        of this AD), unless   following the
     pins, part numbers (P/    already done. After   Accomplishment
     N) 102-2142.46, and       doing the             Instructions in
     self-locking nut, P/N     replacements, the     GROB Service
     LN9348-M8 (or FAA-        spherical locking     Bulletin MSB306-38,
     approved equivalent       bolt and the          dated February 12,
     part numbers), on the T-  retaining pins have   2004, and the
     plate;                    a life limit of 10    Annual Inspection
    (ii) Remove the existing   years and must be     procedures on pages
     spherical locking bolt    replaced at that      7 and 8 of the
     and replace with a new    time.                 Astir CS
     spherical locking bolt,                         Maintenance Manual,
     P/N 102-3500.21, that                           Rev. 9, dated Nov.
     has revision letter                             2005.
     ``b'' permanently
     marked on the bottom of
     the bolt (or FAA-
     approved equivalent
     part number). Return
     replaced spherical
     locking bolts, P/N 102-
     3500.21, to Grob
     Systems, Inc., Aircraft
     Division, 1070 Navajo
     Drive, Bluffton, Ohio
     45817;
    (iii) Remove the
     existing nut and
     replace with a new nut,
     102-3510.21 (or FAA-
     approved equivalent
     part number); and
    (iv) Remove the existing
     lock washer and replace
     with a new lock washer,
     P/N DIN 6797-10,5PHR
     (or FAA-approved
     equivalent part number)
(2) Using a dye-penetrant     Initially inspect     As specified in GROB
 method along with a minimum   within the next 100   Service Bulletin
 10X magnifying glass,         hours time-in-        MSB306-38/1, dated
 repetitively inspect the      service (TIS) or at   November 28, 2005,
 front and rear horizontal     the next annual       following the
 stabilizer attachment         inspection after      Accomplishment
 assembly for excessive        the replacement       Instructions in
 movement, cracks, and/or      required in           GROB Service
 damage in the spherical       paragraph (e)(1) of   Bulletin MSB306-38,
 locking bolt. This            this AD, whichever    dated February 12,
 inspection method takes       occurs first.         2004, and the
 precedence over the           Repetitively          Annual Inspection
 procedures outlined in GROB   inspect thereafter    procedures on pages
 Service Bulletin MSB306-38,   at 12-month           7 and 8 of the
 dated February 12, 2004.      intervals or at       Astir CS
                               intervals not to      Maintenance Manual,
                               exceed 100 hours      Rev. 9, dated Nov.
                               TIS, whichever        2005.
                               occurs first.
(3) If, during any
 inspection required in
 paragraph (e)(2) of this
 AD, you find excessive
 movement:

[[Page 47705]]

 
    (i) In the front          Before further        As specified in GROB
     horizontal stabilizer     flight after each     Service Bulletin
     attachment, you must      inspection required   MSB306-38/1, dated
     replace the spherical     in paragraph (e)(2)   November 28, 2005,
     locking bolt with a new   of this AD. After     following the
     part.                     each replacement,     Accomplishment
                               the spherical         Instructions in
                               locking bolt and      GROB Service
                               the retaining pins    Bulletin MSB306-38,
                               have a life limit     dated February 12,
                               of 10 years and       2004, and the
                               must be replaced at   Annual Inspection
                               that time.            procedures on pages
                                                     7 and 8 of the
                                                     Astir CS
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Rev. 9, dated Nov.
                                                     2005.
    (ii) In the rear
     horizontal stabilizer
     attachment, you must
     replace the retaining
     pins with new parts
    (iii) In the front and
     rear horizontal
     stabilizer attachment
     after doing the
     replacement(s) required
     in paragraph (e)(3)(i)
     and (e)(3)(ii) of this
     AD, you must replace
     the bearings in the
     stabilizer spar web
(4) If, during any
 inspection required in
 paragraph (e)(2) of this
 AD, you do not find
 excessive movement in the
 front and rear horizontal
 stabilizer attachment:
    (i) Inspect the           Before further        As specified in GROB
     spherical locking bolt    flight after each     Service Bulletin
     for cracks and damage     inspection required   MSB306-38/1, dated
     using a dye-penetrant     in paragraph (e)(2)   November 28, 2005,
     method along with a       of this AD. After     following the
     minimum 10X magnifying    each replacement,     Accomplishment
     glass                     the spherical         Instructions in
    (ii) If you find cracks    locking bolt and      GROB Service
     or damage on the          the retaining pins    Bulletin MSB306-38,
     spherical locking bolt,   have a life limit     dated February 12,
     during the inspection     of 10 years and       2004, and the
     required in paragraph     must be replaced at   Annual Inspection
     (e)(4)(i) of this AD,     that time.            procedures on pages
     you must replace the                            7 and 8 of the
     bolt with a new bolt                            Astir CS
                                                     Maintenance Manual,
                                                     Rev. 9, dated Nov.
                                                     2005.
(5) Do not install any        As of September 22,   Not applicable.
 spherical locking bolt, P/N   2006 (the effective
 102-3500.21 (or FAA-          date of this AD).
 approved equivalent part
 number), that does not have
 revision letter ``b''
 permanently marked on the
 bottom of the bolt.
(6) 14 CFR 21.303 allows for  Not applicable......  Not applicable.
 replacement parts through
 parts manufacturer approval
 (PMA). The phrase ``or FAA-
 approved equivalent part
 number'' in this AD is
 intended to signify those
 parts that are PMA parts
 approved through
 identicality to the design
 of the part under the type
 certificate and replacement
 parts to correct the unsafe
 condition under PMA (other
 than identicality). If
 parts are installed that
 are identical to the unsafe
 parts, then the corrective
 actions of the AD affect
 these parts also. In
 addition, equivalent
 replacement parts to
 correct the unsafe
 condition under PMA (other
 than identicality) may also
 be installed provided they
 meet current airworthiness
 standards, which include
 those actions cited in this
 AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: During ground handling, it has been noted that a tendency 
exists for the ground crew to move these gliders by using the 
horizontal stabilizer as a lifting point. This practice may 
facilitate damage to the stabilizer assembly and should be avoided. 
See Caution note in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 
12, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (f) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, 
FAA, ATTN: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (g) AMOCs approved for AD 84-09-05 are not approved for this AD.

Related Information

    (h) German AD Number D-2004-168, dated March 23, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 
2004, and GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38/1, dated November 28, 
2005. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get a copy of this 
service information, contact GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, 
Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic 
of Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; fax: 011 49 8268 998200; 
e-mail: [email protected]. To review copies of this 
service information, go to the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202) 
741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or on 
the Internet at http://

[[Page 47706]]

dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2006-24253; Directorate 
Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 9, 2006.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13439 Filed 8-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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