[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 140 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39229-39231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19333]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-31-AD; Amendment 39-10671; AD 98-15-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-
500M Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (Glaser-Dirks) Model DG-
500M gliders. This AD requires inspecting the center of gravity (C.G.) 
tow release cable pulley for correct positioning, and replacing the 
C.G. tow release cable pulley with one made of aluminum either 
immediately or eventually depending on the results of the inspection. 
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 the C.G. tow release cable 
from coming off the pulley because of incorrect positioning, which 
could result in the pilot being unable to release from tow operations.

DATES: Effective September 9, 1998.

[[Page 39230]]

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 9, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. This information 
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 
No. 98-CE-31-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. Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, 
Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-
6934; 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 Glaser-Dirks Model 
DG-500M gliders was published in the Federal Register as a notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 27, 1998 (63 FR 20545). The NPRM 
proposed to require inspecting the C.G. tow release cable pulley for 
correct positioning, and replacing the C.G. tow release cable pulley 
with one made of aluminum, part no. S 30, either immediately or 
eventually depending on the results of the inspection. Accomplishment 
of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance 
with Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997.
    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

    Although the C.G. tow release cable coming off the pulley would 
only be an unsafe condition during flight and would only occur after 
repeated glider operation, the FAA has no basis to determine the 
approximate number of hours time-in-service (TIS) when the unsafe 
condition is likely to occur. For example, the unsafe condition 
referenced in this AD could occur on a glider with 10 hours TIS, but 
not occur until 500 hours TIS on another glider. For this reason, the 
FAA has determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be 
utilized in this AD in order to assure that the unsafe condition is 
addressed on all gliders in a reasonable time period.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5 gliders in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per 
glider to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $20 per glider. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $700, or $140 per glider.

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:

98-15-20  Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-10671; Docket 
No. 98-CE-31-AD.

    Applicability: Model DG-500M gliders, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each glider 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 gliders 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 (e) 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 the center of gravity (C.G.) tow release cable from 
coming off the pulley because of incorrect positioning, which could 
result in the pilot being unable to release from tow operations, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of 
this AD, inspect the C.G. tow release cable pulley for correct 
positioning in accordance with the Instructions section of Glaser-
Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997. If any tow 
release pulley is found out-of-center during this inspection, prior 
to further flight, replace the C.G. tow release cable pulley with 
one made of aluminum, part no. S 30. Accomplish this replacement in 
accordance with the technical note.
    (b) Within the next 6 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD, replace the C.G. tow release cable pulley with one made 
of aluminum, part no.

[[Page 39231]]

S 30. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with the 
Instructions section of Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated 
November 21, 1997.
    (c) The replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be 
accomplished at any time prior to the required time, including in 
lieu of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (d) 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 glider to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) 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 Small Airplane Directorate.

    (f) Questions or technical information related to Glaser-Dirks 
Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997, should be 
directed to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, 
Germany; telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. 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 64106.
    (g) The inspection and replacement required by this AD shall be 
done in accordance with Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated 
November 21, 1997. 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 DG Flugzeugbau 
GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, 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 1998-
023, dated January 15, 1998.

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on September 9, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14, 1998.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19333 Filed 7-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P