[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64605-64606]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31012]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD; Amendment 39-10898; AD 98-24-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Ursula Hanle Model H101 ``Salto'' 
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 all Ursula Hanle (Hanle) Model H101 ``Salto'' sailplanes. 
This AD requires replacing the airbrake lever with one of improved 
design. 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 airbrake 
from deploying during high g maneuvers, which could result in an 
overstressing effect on the airframe with consequent reduced sailplane 
control.

DATES: Effective December 24, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Ursula Hanle, Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, Federal 
Republic of Germany; telephone and facsimile: +49 (0) 33875-30389. 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-35-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, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 all Hanle Model H101 
``Salto'' sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on September 25, 1998 (63 FR 49307). The 
NPRM proposed to require replacing the airbrake lever made of sheet 
metal with one made of steel. Accomplishment of the proposed action as 
specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with Ursula Hanle 
Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 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.

Compliance Time of This AD

    Although the airbrake lever will only come out during flight in 
high g maneuvers, the unsafe condition specified in this AD is not a 
result of the number of times the sailplane is operated. The chance of 
this situation occurring is the same for a sailplane with 10 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for a sailplane with 500 hours 
TIS. 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 sailplanes in a reasonable time 
period.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 8 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 workhours per 
sailplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $295 per sailplane. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $5,240, or $655 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:

98-24-12  Ursula Hanle: Amendment 39-10898; Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD.

    Applicability: Model H101 ``Salto'' sailplanes, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category.

    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

[[Page 64606]]

requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
paragraph (c) 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 3 calendar months after the 
effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent the airbrake from inadvertently deploying during high 
g maneuvers, which could result in an overstressing effect on the 
airframe with consequent reduced sailplane control, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Replace the airbrake lever in accordance with Ursula 
Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 1998, and drawing No. 
101-44-3(2), as referenced in the technical bulletin.
    (b) 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 to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time 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.

    (d) Questions or technical information related to Ursula Hanle 
Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 1998, should be 
directed to Ursula Hanle, Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, 
Federal Republic of Germany; telephone and facsimile: +49 (0) 33875-
30389. 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.
    (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Ursula Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 
21, 1998, and drawing No. 101-44-3(2), as referenced in the 
technical bulletin. 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 Ursula Hanle, 
Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, 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-
108, dated February 26, 1998.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 24, 1998.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 12, 1998.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-31012 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
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