[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 54 (Friday, March 20, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 13505-13507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-7232]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-CE-109-AD; Amendment 39-10417; AD 98-06-38]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau 
Model ASK-21 Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher) 
Model ASK-21 sailplanes that do not have a certain automatic elevator 
connection installed. This AD requires drilling a drainage hole in the 
elevator pushrod, inspecting the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage, 
and replacing any elevator pushrod if a certain amount of corrosion 
damage is found. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for Germany. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
failure of the elevator pushrod caused by corrosion damage, which could 
result in loss of control of the sailplane.

DATES: Effective April 28, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 28, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, 
Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 
49.6658.8920;

[[Page 13506]]

facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. 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-109-
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 to certain Alexander 
Schleicher Model ASK-21 sailplanes that do not have a certain automatic 
elevator connection installed was published in the Federal Register as 
a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 19, 1997 (62 FR 
66567). The NPRM proposed to require drilling a drainage hole in the 
elevator pushrod, inspecting the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage, 
and replacing any elevator pushrod if a certain amount of corrosion 
damage is found. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in 
the NPRM would be in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical 
Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
    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.

Compliance Time of This AD

    The unsafe condition specified by this AD is caused by corrosion. 
Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the sailplane is in operation 
or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe condition 
specified in this AD does not go undetected for a long period of time, 
the compliance time is presented in calendar time instead of hours 
time-in-service (TIS).

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 30 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per 
sailplane to accomplish this elevator pushrod drainage hole drilling 
and elevator pushrod inspection, 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 $1,800, or $60 
per sailplane.

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, 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:

98-06-38  Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau: Amendment 39-10417; 
Docket No. 97-CE-109-AD.

    Applicability: Model ASK-21 sailplanes, serial numbers 21 001 
through 21 205, certificated in any category, that do not have an 
automatic elevator connection installed in accordance with Alexander 
Schleicher Technical Note No. 11, dated December 20, 1983.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane 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 sailplanes 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 (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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless 
already accomplished.
    To prevent failure of the elevator pushrod caused by corrosion 
damage, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, drill a drainage hole in the elevator pushrod in 
accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated 
July 1, 1993.
    (b) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, inspect the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage in 
accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated 
July 1, 1993.
    (1) If no corrosion damage is found or corrosion damage is found 
that does not exceed the amount specified in the service bulletin, 
prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD, apply a corrosion agent as described in the service 
bulletin.
    (2) If corrosion damage is found that exceeds the amount 
specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight after the 
inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, replace the 
elevator pushrod in accordance with the maintenance manual, and 
apply a corrosion agent as described in the service bulletin.
    (c) 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 sailplane

[[Page 13507]]

to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (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, 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.

    (e) Questions or technical information related to Alexander 
Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993, should be 
directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 
Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 
49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. This service 
information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri.
    (f) The inspection, drilling, and application required by this 
AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical 
Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993. 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 
Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Federal 
Republic of 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 No. 93-
186, dated September 15, 1993.

    (g) This amendment (39-10417) becomes effective on April 28, 
1998.
    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 11, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-7232 Filed 3-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U