[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 69 (Thursday, April 10, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17537-17539]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9164]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 92-CE-41-AD; Amendment 39-9994; AD 97-08-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Louis L'Hotellier, S.A., Ball and
Swivel Joint Quick Connectors
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
applies to Louis L'Hotellier S.A. (L'Hotellier) ball and swivel joint
quick connectors installed on gliders and sailplanes that are not
equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-safety sleeve. These
connectors allow the operator of the gliders and sailplanes to quickly
connect and disconnect the control
[[Page 17538]]
systems during assembly and disassembly for storage purposes. This
action requires enlarging the safety pin guide hole diameter, and
fabricating and installing a placard that specifies a check of the
security of the connectors prior to each flight. Several in-flight
accidents involving inadvertent disconnection of these connectors that
are installed on certain gliders and sailplanes prompted this action.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the connectors
from becoming inadvertently disconnected, which could result in loss of
control of the sailplane or glider.
DATES: Effective June 2, 1997.
ADDRESSES: This AD may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 92-CE-41-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. J. Mike Kiesov, Project Officer,
Sailplanes/Gliders, 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:
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 Louis L'Hotellier S.A.
(L'Hotellier) ball and swivel joint quick connectors was published in
the Federal Register on November 21, 1996 (61 FR 59203). The action
proposed to require the following actions for gliders and sailplanes
utilizing the L'Hotellier ball and swivel joint quick connectors, and
that are not equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-Safety sleeve:
--Enlarge the safety pin guide hole diameter to a minimum of 1.2 mm
(0.05 in.) to accommodate a safety wire or pin, as applicable.
--Fabricate a placard (using \1/8\ inch letters) with the following
words:
``All L'Hotellier control system connectors must be secured with
safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves, as applicable, prior to
operation.''
--Install this placard in the glider or sailplane within the pilot's
clear view.
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.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 1,100 sailplanes and gliders, with an
average of 4 connectors per sailplane, in the U.S. registry would be
affected by this AD, that it would take less than 4 workhours per
sailplane or glider to accomplish the action (less than 1 workhour per
connector), and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an
hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $264,000. This cost is figured for the
estimated time it would take for an authorized mechanic to enlarge the
safety pin guide hole diameter. An owner/operator who holds a private
pilot's certificate, as authorized by sections 43.7 and 43.11 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7 and 43.11), can fabricate and
install the placard. This $264,000 figure is based on the assumption
that all of the affected owners/operators of the affected sailplanes
and gliders do not have the guide pin hole already enlarged, a safety
sleeve installed, or the placard installed.
Compliance Time
The compliance time of this AD is in calendar time instead of hours
time-in-service (TIS). The average monthly usage of the affected
sailplanes and gliders ranges throughout the fleet. For example, one
owner may operate the sailplane or glider 25 hours in one week, while
another operator may operate the sailplane or glider 25 hours in one
year. For this reason, the FAA has determined that, in order to ensure
that all of the owners/operators of the affected sailplanes and gliders
incorporate the required actions within a reasonable amount of time, a
calendar compliance time is required.
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, 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:
97-08-06 Louis L'Hotellier, S.A. Ball and Swivel Joint Quick
Connectors: Amendment 39-9994; Docket No. 92-CE-41-AD.
Applicability: All quick connectors installed in, but not
limited to, the following gliders and sailplanes that are not
equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-Safety sleeve:
[[Page 17539]]
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Manufacturer Models
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Alexander Schleicher...................... ASK21, ASK23, ASW12, ASW15,
ASW15B, ASW17, ASW19,
ASW19B, ASW24, ASW24B,
AS12, AS-K13, AS-K13, Ka 6,
Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka
6 CR, Ka 6 CR-Pe, Ka 6 E,
K7, Ka2B, K 8, K 8 B, and
Rhonlerche II.
Centrair, S.N............................. 101, 101A, 101P, 101AP, and
201B.
Eiravion.................................. PIK 20, PIK 20B, and PIK
20D.
Glaser Dirks.............................. DG100, DG400, and DG-500M.
Burkhart Grob............................. G102 Astir CS, G102 Club
Astir III, G102 Club Astir
IIIb, G102 Standard Astir
III, G102, G103 Twin Astir,
G103 Twin II, G103A Twin II
Acro, G103C Twin III Acro,
G103C Twin III SL, G109,
and G109B.
Intreprinderea ICA (Lark)................. IS-28B2 and IS-29D2.
Rolladen Schneider........................ LS1-f and LS3-a.
Schempp-Hirth............................. Cirrus, Std Cirrus, Nimbus
2, Nimbus 2B, Mini-Nimbus
HS-7, Mini-Nimbus B, Janus,
Discus a, Duo-Discus,
Standard Austria-S,
Standard Austria-SH,
Standard Austria-SH1,
Ventus, Ventus-a, and
Ventus-a/16.6.
Schweizer................................. 2-33 and 1-26.
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Note 1: This AD applies to the product 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 the product that has 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 (d) 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 30 calendar days after the
effective date of this AD, or upon installation of the quick
connectors, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished.
To prevent the quick connectors from becoming inadvertently
disconnected, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane
or glider, accomplish the following:
(a) For quick connectors that have a safety pin guide hole,
enlarge the hole in the lock plate to a minimum diameter of 1.2 mm
(0.05 in.) to accommodate a safety wire or pin.
(b) Fabricate and install a placard (using 1/8 inch letters) in
the glider or sailplane, within the pilot's clear view, with the
following words: ``All L'Hotellier control system connectors must be
secured with safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves, as applicable,
prior to operation.''
(c) Fabricating and installing the placard as required by
paragraph (b) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator
holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by
section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and
must be entered into the sailplane's or glider's records showing
compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations.
(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from Small Airplane Directorate.
(e) Copies of this AD may be inspected at the FAA, Central
Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 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.
(f) This amendment (39-9994) becomes effective on June 2, 1997.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 2, 1997.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 97-9164 Filed 4-9-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U