[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 180 (Friday, September 17, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50440-50442]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-24089]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-CE-16-AD; Amendment 39-11320; AD 99-19-33]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; LET Aeronautical Works Model L-13 
``Blanik'' 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 LET Aeronautical Works (LET) Model L-13 ``Blanik'' 
sailplanes. This AD requires painting (using a contrasting color, i.e., 
red paint) the left hand elevator drive mechanism in order to not have 
the elevator drive bellcrank inadvertently installed backwards. This AD 
is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued by the airworthiness authority for the Czech Republic. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the elevator drive 
bellcrank from being installed backwards, which could result in an 
incorrect rigging of the elevator flight control with potential reduced 
or loss of control of the sailplane.

DATES: Effective November 8, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 8, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from LET Aeronautical Works, Kunovice 686 04, Czech Republic; 
telephone: +420 632 55 44 96; facsimile: +420 632 611 26. This 
information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
(FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 99-CE-16-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: 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:

[[Page 50441]]

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 LET Model L-13 
``Blanik'' sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice 
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 14, 1999 (64 FR 31760). The NPRM 
proposed to require painting (using a contrasting color, i.e., red 
paint) the left hand elevator drive mechanism in order to not have the 
elevator drive bellcrank inadvertently installed backwards. 
Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be 
required in accordance with LET Mandatory Bulletin No. L13/082a, dated 
December 10, 1998.
    The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the Czech 
Republic.
    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 flight control problems caused by improper installation of 
the elevator drive bellcrank are only unsafe while the affected 
sailplanes are in flight, the condition could occur after any time the 
elevator drive bellcrank is reinstalled on the sailplane. The chance of 
this situation occurring is the same for a sailplane with 10 hours 
time-in-service (TIS) as it is for a sailplane with 500 hours TIS. For 
this reason, the FAA is utilizing a compliance based on calendar time 
instead of hours TIS 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 140 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per 
sailplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $5 per sailplane. 
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $9,100, or $65 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:

99-19-33  LET Aeronautical Works: Amendment 39-11320; Docket No. 99-
CE-16-AD.

    Applicability: Model L-13 ``Blanik'' 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 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 the elevator drive bellcrank from being installed 
backwards, which could result in an incorrect rigging of the 
elevator flight control with potential reduced or loss of control of 
the sailplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date 
of this AD, paint (using a contrasting color, i.e., red paint) the 
elevator drive mechanism to prevent the elevator drive bellcrank 
from being inadvertently installed backwards. Accomplish this action 
in accordance with the Work Procedure section, including Figure 1, 
of LET Mandatory Bulletin No. L13/082a, dated December 10, 1998.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any affected sailplane, an elevator drive bellcrank where the 
following has not been accomplished:
    (1) The elevator bellcrank inspected to assure that it is not 
installed backwards; and
    (2) The elevator drive bellcrank painted as required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (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 to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) 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, 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 LET Mandatory 
Bulletin No. L13/082a, dated December 10, 1998, should be directed 
to LET Aeronautical Works, Kunovice 686 04, Czech Republic; 
telephone: +420 632 55 44 96; facsimile: +420 632 611 26. 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.

[[Page 50442]]

    (f) The modification required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with LET Mandatory Bulletin No. L13/082a, dated December 
10, 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 LET Aeronautical 
Works, Kunovice 686 04, Czech Republic. 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 Czech Republic AD 
Number: CAA-AD-4-099/98, dated December 30, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 8, 1999.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 9, 1999.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-24089 Filed 9-16-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U