[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-31062]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: December 19, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 91-CE-40-AD]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Models ASW-12, 
ASW-15, ASW-15B, and ASW-17 Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede AD 88-11-05, which 
currently requires repetitively inspecting the wing spar of Alexander 
Schleicher Models ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders for wood rot, and 
replacing any wing spar where wood rot is found. Alexander Schleicher 
Models ASW-12 and ASW-17 gliders are of a similar type design of the 
models affected by the current AD, and the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), in working with the Civil Aviation Authority of 
Germany, has decided that the actions referenced in AD 88-11-05 should 
also apply to these glider models. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the wing spar caused by 
wood rot, which, if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of 
control of the glider.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 24, 1995.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 91-
CE-40-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
Comments may be inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.
    Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained 
from Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Company, D-36163, Poppenhausen-
Wasserkuppe, Germany; or Eastern Sailplane, Heath Stage Route Shelburne 
Falls, Massachusetts 01370; telephone (413) 625-6059. This information 
also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Herman Belderok, Project Officer, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426-
6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications should identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 91-CE-40-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 91-CE-40-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

    A report of an in-flight wing failure because of box spar wood rot 
on a Model ASW-15 glider that was certificated for operation in 
Australia prompted the FAA to issue AD 88-11-05, Amendment 39-5997. 
This AD requires repetitively inspecting the wing spar for wood rot on 
Alexander Schleicher Models ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders that are 
certificated for operation in the United States, and replacing any wood 
wing spar where wood rot is found. These actions are accomplished in 
accordance with Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 Technical Note (TN) No. 23, 
dated April 21, 1988.
    The wing configuration of these gliders includes a wood box wing 
spar. Water can penetrate the box spar interior, which permits the 
growth of wood destroying mold fungus. This fungus could destroy the 
balsa wood spar webs and plywood blocks of the spar to the point where 
the residual spar strength would no longer be sufficient.
    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority 
for Germany, recently notified the FAA that Alexander Schleicher Models 
ASW-12 and ASW-17 gliders contain a similar wing configuration. The LBA 
advises that, if periodic inspections are not accomplished on the wing 
spar of the referenced gliders, then wood rot could occur. This 
condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in failure of 
the wing spar and subsequent loss of control of the glider.
    Alexander Schleicher has issued ASW-12 TN No. 4, dated May 10, 
1989, and ASW-17 TN No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, which specify procedures 
for repetitively inspecting the wing spar on the Models ASW-12 and ASW-
17 gliders.
    This airplane 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, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop in other Alexander Schleicher Models ASW-12, ASW-15, 
ASW-15B, and ASW-17 gliders of the same type design, the proposed AD 
would supersede AD 88-11-05, Amendment 39-5997, with a new AD that 
would (1) retain the requirement of repetitively inspecting the wing 
spar for wood rot on the Models ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders, and 
replacing the wing spar if wood rot is found; and (2) extend these 
repetitive inspections and possible replacement to Models ASW-12 and 
ASW-17 gliders. The proposed inspections would be accomplished in 
accordance with either Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 TN No. 23, dated 
April 21, 1988; Alexander Schleicher ASW-12 TN No. 4, dated May 10, 
1989; or Alexander Schleicher ASW-17 TN No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, as 
applicable.
    The compliance time presented in the proposed AD is based upon 
calendar time instead of hours time-in-service. Rotting of the wood 
wing box spar is caused by moisture and the condition could exist or 
develop regardless of whether the glider is in actual operation. For 
this reason, the FAA has determined that the compliance time of the 
proposed AD action should be in calendar time.
    The FAA estimates that 50 gliders (7 ASW-12's, 27 ASW-15's, 6 ASW-
15B's, and 10 ASW-17's) in the U.S. registry would be affected by the 
proposed AD, that it would take approximately 6 workhours to accomplish 
the proposed action, and that the average labor rate is approximately 
$60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $110 per glider, and the proposed 
core analysis would cost $185. Based on these figures, the total cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $32,750. 
This figure is based upon the assumption that no affected glider owner/
operator has accomplished the proposed inspection, nor does it account 
for repetitive inspections. The FAA has no way of determining the 
number of repetitive inspections an owner/operator may incur.
    In addition, AD 88-11-05 required the same actions as is proposed 
on 33 airplanes. With this in mind, the cost impact of the proposed AD 
upon U.S. operators is reduced $21,615 from $32,750 to $11,135.
    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would 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) if promulgated, 
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 draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action has been placed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing AD 88-11-05, Amendment 39-
5997, and by adding a new airworthiness directive to read as follows:

Alexander Schleicher: Docket No. 91-CE-40-AD; Supersedes AD 88-11-
05, Amendment 39-5997.

    Applicability: Models ASW-12, ASW-15, ASW-15B, and ASW-17 
gliders (all serial numbers), certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required initially as follows, and thereafter as 
indicated in the body of this AD:
    1. For Models ASW-12 and ASW-17: Within the next 6 calendar 
months after the effective date of this AD, unless already 
accomplished.
    2. For Models ASW-15 and ASW-15B: On or before the last day of 
the 12th calendar month after the last inspection required by AD 88-
11-05, Amendment 39-5997.
    To prevent failure of the wing spar caused by wood rot, which, 
if not detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of 
the glider, accomplish the following:
    (a) Visually inspect the wing spar for wood rot in accordance 
with either Action Paragraphs 1.1 through 1.3 of Alexander 
Schleicher ASW-12 Technical Note (TN) No. 4, dated May 10, 1989; 
Action Paragraphs 1.1, 1.2, and 2.1 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 
TN No. 23, dated April 21, 1988; or Action Paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 of 
Alexander Schleicher ASW-17 TN No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, as 
applicable.
    (b) Mark and send wood cores obtained through the inspection 
specified in paragraph (a) to a mycology laboratory for 
microscopical inspection for heavy wood destroying fungal 
infestation in accordance with either Action Paragraph 1.3 of 
Alexander Schleicher ASW-12 TN No. 4, dated May 10, 1989; Action 
Paragraph 2.1 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 TN No. 23, dated April 
21, 1988; or Action Paragraph 1.2 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-17 TN 
No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, as applicable.
    (c) If moisture damage, swelling, evidence that water has 
penetrated into the spar fork, or fungal infestation is found, prior 
to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD, accomplish the following:
    (1) Wait for the results of the microscopical examination and 
then obtain a repair scheme from the manufacturer through the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, at the address specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and incorporate this repair scheme.
    (2) Apply preservative, strengthen the inspection hole area, and 
close the hole in accordance with either Action Paragraph 1.4 of 
Alexander Schleicher ASW-12 TN No. 4, dated May 10, 1989; Action 
Paragraph 2.2 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 TN No. 23, dated April 
21, 1988; or Action Paragraph 1.3 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-17 TN 
No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, as applicable.
    (d) If no moisture damage, swelling, evidence that water has 
penetrated into the spar fork, or fungal infestation is found, 
accomplish the following:
    (1) Prior to further flight after the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, apply preservative, strengthen the 
inspection hole area, and close the hole in accordance with either 
Action Paragraph 1.4 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-12 TN No. 4, dated 
May 10, 1989; Action Paragraph 2.2 of Alexander Schleicher ASW-15 TN 
No. 23, dated April 21, 1988; or Action Paragraph 1.3 of Alexander 
Schleicher ASW-17 TN No. 12, dated May 8, 1989, as applicable.
    (2) The airplane may be operated during the microscopical 
examination of the wood core. However, if these examination results 
reveal heavy wood destroying fungal infestation, prior to further 
flight after receiving the results, obtain a repair scheme from the 
manufacturer through the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, at the 
address specified in paragraph (g) of this AD, and incorporate this 
repair scheme.
    (e) The inspection requirements specified in paragraphs (a) 
through (c) of this AD, excluding the wood core microscopical 
examination requirements, shall be accomplished annually on or 
before the last day of the 12th calendar month after the last 
inspection.
    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (g) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 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: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (h) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to Alexander Schleicher 
GmbH & Company, D-36163, Poppenhausen-Wasserkuppe, Germany; or 
Eastern Sailplane, Heath Stage Route Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 
01370; or may examine this document at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (i) This amendment supersedes AD 88-11-05, Amendment 39-5997.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 13, 1994.
Barry D. Clements,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 94-31062 Filed 12-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U