Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type Certificate G60EU previously held by LETECKÉ ZÁVODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L 23 Super Blanik Sailplane

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 24, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78929-78931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30405]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1138; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-059-AD; 
Amendment 39-15778; AD 2008-26-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type 
Certificate G60EU previously held by LETECK[Eacute] Z[Aacute]VODY a.s. 
and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L 23 Super Blanik Sailplane

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front 
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as 
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the 
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of 
the sailplane.

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 28, 2009.
    On January 28, 2009, the Director of the Federal Register approves 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, 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: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 78930]]

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 29 (73 FR 
64282). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front 
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as 
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the 
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of 
the sailplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection 
for cracks of the control bridge and its replacement, as necessary. 
In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft Maintenance 
Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the control 
bridge.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 105 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $16,800, or $160 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $2,000, for a cost of 
$2,560 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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 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 adding the following new AD:

2008-26-12 Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type Certificate G60EU 
previously held by LETECK[Eacute] Z[Aacute]VODY a.s. and LET 
Aeronautical Works): Amendment 39-15778; Docket No. FAA-2008-1138; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-059-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
28, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model L 23 Super Blanik sailplanes, all 
serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front 
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as 
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the 
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of 
the sailplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection 
for cracks of the control bridge and its replacement, as necessary. 
In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft Maintenance 
Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the control 
bridge.

[[Page 78931]]

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 3 months after January 28, 2009 (the 
effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 12 months, visually inspect the control bridge in 
areas of juncture with the two control sticks for cracks. Do the 
inspection following paragraph A of LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. 
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, Revision No. 2, dated September 
12, 2007, except use a 10X magnifier and do a dye penetrant 
inspection following the procedures in chapter 5, section 5, of FAA 
Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, dated September 27, 2001.
    (2) If cracks are found in the control bridge bedding during any 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, replace the defective control bridge bedding, Dwg. No. A740 
371N, in the control bridge assembly, Dwg. No. A740 370N, following 
LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, 
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; and Appendix No. 1, 
``Replacement of Bearings 608 CSN 024630 at Control Bridge Dwg. No. 
A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No. A740 371N,'' to LET Aircraft 
Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, Revision No. 2, 
dated September 12, 2007.
    (3) Doing the replacement required in paragraph (f)(2) of this 
AD terminates the 12-month repetitive inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. After the replacement required in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, perform subsequent inspections on the 
new control bridge assembly according to LET Aircraft Industries, 
a.s. Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August 6, 2007.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) The service information requires a visual inspection with a 
6X magnifier. We are requiring a dye penetrant inspection and a 10X 
magnifier to detect cracks that could go undetected using only a 6X 
magnifier.
    (2) The MCAI requires updating the maintenance manuals to add 
repetitive inspections of the control bridge. Since the maintenance 
manual is only one way of establishing a maintenance program, the 
only way we can mandate these repetitive inspections is through an 
AD action. We have made these repetitive inspections part of this 
AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any sailplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2007-0261, dated October 2, 2007; LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. 
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, Revision No. 2, dated September 
12, 2007; Appendix No. 1, ``Replacement of Bearings 608 CSN 024630 
at Control Bridge Dwg. No. A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No. A740 
371N,'' to LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. 
L23/050a, Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; LET Aircraft 
Industries, a.s. Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August 
6, 2007; and FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, dated 
September 27, 2001, for related information. FAA Advisory Circular 
AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, dated September 27, 2001, can be found on the 
Internet at http://rgl.faa.gov/.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory 
Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; 
Appendix No. 1, ``Replacement of Bearings 608 CSN 024630 at Control 
Bridge Dwg. No. A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No. A740 371N,'' to LET 
Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a, 
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; and LET Aircraft 
Industries, a.s. Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August 
6, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aircraft Industries, a.s. Na Z[aacute]honech 1177, 686 04 Kunovice, 
Czech Republic; phone: +420-572816002; fax: +420-572816006; 
Internet: http://www.let.cz/.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 16, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-30405 Filed 12-23-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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