[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64598-64600]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-30896]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-68-AD; Amendment 39-10894; AD 98-24-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt Models 
G115, G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D, and G115D2 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt (Grob) Models G115, 
G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D, and G115D2 airplanes. This AD 
requires inspecting the area of the elevator trim tab hinges for cracks 
and a secure fit, and repairing any elevator trim tab hinges with 
cracks or where a proper secure fit is not 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 structural damage of the trim tab hinges caused 
by cracks, which could result in trim tab failure with consequent loss 
of control of the airplane.

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

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, D-8939 Mattsies, Federal 
Republic of Germany. 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-68-AD, Room 1558, 
601 E. 12th Street,

[[Page 64599]]

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. Karl M. Schletzbaum, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 all Grob Models G115, 
G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D, and G115D2 airplanes was published 
in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on 
September 11, 1998 (63 FR 48653). The NPRM proposed to require 
inspecting the area of the elevator trim tab hinges for cracks and a 
secure fit, and repairing any elevator trim tab hinges with cracks or 
where a proper secure fit is not found. Accomplishment of the proposed 
inspection would be required in accordance with Grob Service Bulletin 
1078-75, dated May 15, 1998. Accomplishment of the proposed repairs, if 
necessary, would be required in accordance with Grob Installation 
Instructions No. 1078-75, dated May 15, 1998.
    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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 26 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by the inspection, that it will take approximately 1 workhour 
per airplane to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor 
rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,560, or $60 per airplane.
    If any of the affected airplanes have trim tab hinges that are 
found cracked or where a proper secure fit was not found, the repair 
will take approximately 5 workhours per airplane at an average labor 
rate of $60 per hour. Parts will cost approximately $25 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost to repair any trim tab hinges found 
cracked, or where a proper secure fit was not found, will be 
approximately $325 per airplane.

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:

98-24-08 Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt: Amendment 39-10894; 
Docket No. 98-CE-68-AD.

    Applicability: Models G115, G115A, G115B, G115C, G115C2, G115D, 
and G115D2 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane 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 airplanes 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 structural damage of the trim tab hinges caused by 
cracks, which could result in trim tab failure with consequent loss 
of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, inspect the area of the elevator trim tab 
hinges for cracks and a secure fit. Accomplish this inspection in 
accordance with the Action section of Grob Service Bulletin No. 
1078-75, dated May 15, 1998.
    (b) Prior to further flight, repair any elevator trim tab hinges 
with cracks or where a proper secure fit is not found. Accomplish 
these repairs in accordance with the Procedure section of Grob 
Installation Instructions No. 1078-75, dated May 15, 1998.
    (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 airplane 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, 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 Grob Service 
Bulletin 1078-75, dated May 15, 1998, should be directed to

[[Page 64600]]

Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, D-8939 Mattsies, Federal Republic 
of Germany. 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.
    (f) The inspection required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Grob Service Bulletin 1078-75, dated May 15, 1998. 
The repair required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Grob 
Installation Instructions No. 1078-75, dated May 15, 1998. 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 Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, D-
8939 Mattsies, 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 1998-
299, dated June 4, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 1998.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 98-30896 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U