[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 57 (Friday, March 23, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16103-16105]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6283]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 57 / Friday, March 23, 2001 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 16103]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-CE-05-AD; Amendment 39-12145; AD 2001-05-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; VALENTIN GmbH Model 17E Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to all VALENTIN GmbH (Valentin) Model 17E sailplanes. This AD 
requires you to inspect for, and correct, cracked or improperly 
installed central wing bolts; install a stronger central bolt if not 
already installed; and inspect for, and replace, problem telescopic 
rods. 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 correct improperly 
installed or cracked central bolts and damaged, deformed, or loose 
telescopic rods. This condition, if not corrected, could cause the wing 
to separate from the sailplane, which could cause result in control of 
the sailplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on April 13, 2001.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the regulation as of April 
13, 2001.
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any comments 
on this rule by April 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send three copies of comments to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-05-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    You may get service information referenced in this AD from Korff + 
Co. KG, Luftfahrttechnischer Betrieb, LBA II-A 189, Dieselstrasse 5, D-
63128, Dietzenbach, Germany; telephone: (49) 6074/4006; facsimile: (49) 
6074/4033. You may read this information at FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-CE-05-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, 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, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), 
which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA 
that an unsafe condition might exist on certain Valentin Model 17E 
sailplanes. The LBA reports:

--Occurrences of the manufacturer installing central bolts in the wrong 
direction;
--Cracks found in nine central bolts during inspections; and
--A fatal accident that could possibly be attributed to a weak central 
bolt breaking.

    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the wing separating from 
the sailplane, which could cause loss of control of the sailplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Valentin 
has issued Service Bulletin KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work 
Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated 16 January 2001. The 
service bulletin and work instructions include procedures for:

--Inspecting the central bolt for correct installation;
--Inspecting the central bolt for cracks;
--Installing a stronger central bolt; and
--Inspecting the telescopic rods and locking mechanisms for damage, 
removing any damaged parts, and repairing or replacing any damaged 
parts.

    What action did LBA take? The LBA classified this service bulletin 
as mandatory and issued German AD 2000-392, dated December 15, 2000, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes in Germany.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
These sailplane models are manufactured in Germany and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
    In carrying out this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has 
kept FAA informed of the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the LBA; 
reviewed all available information, including the service information 
referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Valentin Model 17E sailplanes of the same type design;
--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information (as specified in this AD) should be accomplished on the 
affected sailplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What does this AD require? This AD requires you to do the actions 
previously specified in accordance with Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin 
KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 
2, both dated 16 January 2001.
    Will I have the opportunity to comment prior to the issuance of the 
rule? Because the unsafe condition described in this document could 
result in structural failure with possible loss of control of the 
sailplane, FAA finds that notice and opportunity for public comment 
before issuance are impractical. Therefore, good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

[[Page 16104]]

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this AD? Although this action is in the form of 
a final rule and was not preceded by notice and opportunity for public 
comment, we invite your comments on the rule. You may send whatever 
written data, views, or arguments you choose. You need to include the 
rule's docket number and send three copies of your comments to the 
address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date specified above. We may change 
this rule in light of comments received. Factual information that 
supports your ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether we need to 
take additional rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the AD I should pay attention 
to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
require a change to the rule. You may look at all comments we receive. 
We will file a report in the Rules Docket that summarizes each FAA 
contact with the public that concerns the substantive parts of this 
rule.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of June 1, 1998. 
That memorandum requires federal agencies to communicate more clearly 
with the public. We are interested in your comments on whether the 
style of this document is clear, and any other suggestions you might 
have to improve the clarity of FAA communications that affect you. You 
can get more information about the Presidential memorandum and the 
plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2001-CE-05-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this AD impact various entities? These regulations will not 
have a substantial direct effect 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, FAA has determined that this final rule does not have 
federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.
    Does this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? The 
FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that 
must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, 
and is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. 
It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency 
regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, 
February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation 
otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed 
in the Rules Docket (otherwise, an evaluation is not required). A copy 
of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
Reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

2001-05-08  Valentin GMBH: Amendment 39-12145; Docket No. 2001-CE-
05-AD.

    (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Model 17E, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any 
category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above sailplanes must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to correct improperly installed or cracked 
central bolts, and damaged, deformed, or loose telescopic rods. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in the wing separating 
from the sailplane, which could cause loss of control of the 
sailplane.
    (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this 
problem, unless already done, you must do the following actions:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Action               Compliance time         Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the central bolt    Within the next 5  Do this action
 for cracks.                     hours time-in-     following the ACTION
                                 service (TIS)      paragraph in Korff +
                                 after April 13,    Co. KG Service
                                 2001.              Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/
                                                    818, issue 2, an
                                                    Korff Work
                                                    Instructions AW-KOCO-
                                                    05/818, issue 2,
                                                    both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual.
(2) If the central bolt has     Before further     Do this action
 any cracks, replace the         flight after the   following the ACTION
 central bolt with new bolt      inspection         paragraph in Korff +
 with new bolt F1-1373,          required in        Co. KG Service
 Modification ``a'' or ``b''     paragraph (d)(1).  Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/
 (or FAA-approved equivalent                        818, issue 2, and
 part number) with the wide                         Korff Work
 side of the cone on top.                           Instructions AW-KOCO-
                                                    05/818, issue 2,
                                                    both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual.
(3) If the central bolt (F1-    Within 25 hours    Do this action
 1373) does not have any         TIS after April    following the ACTION
 cracks, install a new bolt F1-  13, 2001.          paragraph in Korff +
 1373, Modification ``a'' or                        Co. KG Service
 ``b'' (or FAA-approved                             Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/
 equivalent part number) with                       818, issue 2, an
 the wide side of the cone on                       Korff Work
 top.                                               Instructions AW-KOCO-
                                                    05/818, issue 2,
                                                    both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual.
(4) Do not install any bolt     As of the          Not applicable.
 that is not an F1-1373,         effective date
 Modification ``a'' or ``b''     of this AD.
 (or FAA-approved equivalent
 part number).

[[Page 16105]]

 
(5) Inspect telescopic rods     Within the next 5  Do this action
 and locking mechanisms for      hours TIS after    following the ACTION
 any damage, smooth operation    April 13, 2001.    paragraph in Korff +
 over full travel range, and                        Co. KG Service
 mechanical tightness.                              Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/
                                                    818, issue 2, and
                                                    Korff Work
                                                    Instructions AW-KOCO-
                                                    05/818, issue 2,
                                                    both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual.
(6) Remove any problem          Before further     Do this action
 telescopic rods and locking     flight after the   following the ACTION
 mechanisms from the sailplane.  inspection         paragraph in Korff +
                                 required in        Co. KG service
                                 paragraph (d)(5)   Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/
                                 above.             818, issue 2 and
                                                    Korff Work
                                                    Instructions AW-
                                                    KOCO05/818, issue 2,
                                                    both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual. Ship any
                                                    problem telescopic
                                                    rods and locking
                                                    mechanisms to Korff
                                                    + Co. KG, or any
                                                    appropriately rated
                                                    certified repair
                                                    station, for repair.
(7) Install the airworthy or    Before further     Do this action
 new telescopic rods and         flight after       following the ACTION
 locking mechanisms in the       removing the       paragraph in Korff +
 sailplane.                      telescopic rods    Co. KG Service
                                 and locking        Bulletin SB-KOCO and
                                 mechanisms, and    05/818, issue 2, and
                                 after repair of    Korff Work
                                 the telescopic     Instructions AW-KOCO-
                                 rods and locking   05/818, issue 2,
                                 mechanisms.        both dated January
                                                    16, 2001, and the
                                                    sailplane flight
                                                    manual.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your 
alternative. Send your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Small Airplane Directorate.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 (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 you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mike Kiesov, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the sailplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your sailplane to a location where 
you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by 
reference? Actions required by this AD must be done following Korff 
+ Co. KG Service Bulletin-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work 
Instructions AW-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001. 
The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by 
reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get 
copies from Korff + Co. KG, Luftfahrttechnischer Betrieb, LBA II-A 
189, Dieselstrasse 5, D-63128, Dietzenbach, Germany; telephone: (49) 
6074/4006; facsimile: (49) 6074/4033. You can look at copies at FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 
506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment 
becomes effective on April 13, 2001.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 2000-
392, dated December 15, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 6, 2001.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 01-6283 Filed 3-22-01; 8:45 am]
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