[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 4, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5302-5304]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2252]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; HPH s.r.o. Models Glasfl[uuml] gel 
304CZ, 304CZ-17, and 304C Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all HPH s.r.o. (HPH) Models Glasfl[uuml] gel 304CZ, 304CZ-17, and 
304C sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect to 
determine the airbrake handle attachment rivet material. This proposed 
AD would require you to replace any non-steel rivet with a steel rivet. 
This proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the Czech 
Republic. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent the airbrake 
handle from becoming loose, which could result in failure of the 
airbrake control. This failure could lead to loss of control of the 
sailplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 4, 
2004.

[[Page 5303]]


ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
     By fax: (816) 329-3771.
     By e-mail: [email protected]. Comments sent 
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD'' in the subject 
line. If you send comments electronically as attached electronic files, 
the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from HPH spol.s r.o., C[aacute]slavsk[aacute] 126, P.O. Box 112, CZ284 
01 Kutn[aacute] Hora, Czech Republic; telephone: 011-42-327 513441; e-
mail: [email protected].
    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m. 
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

How Do I Comment on This Proposed AD?

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD'' in the 
subject line of your comments. If you want us to acknowledge receipt of 
your mailed comments, send us a self-addressed, stamped postcard with 
the docket number written on it. We will date-stamp your postcard and 
mail it back to you.

Are There Any Specific Portions of This Proposed AD I Should Pay 
Attention To?

    We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. If you 
contact us through a nonwritten communication and that contact relates 
to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will summarize the 
contact and place the summary in the docket. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD in 
light of those comments and contacts.

Discussion

What Events Have Caused This Proposed AD?

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness 
authority for the Czech Republic, recently notified FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all HPH Models Glasfl[uuml] gel 304CZ, 304CZ-17, 
and 304C sailplanes. The CAA reports that excessive free play in the 
airbrake handle was found during a pre-flight check on a Glasfl[uuml] 
gel 304CZ sailplane.
    A non-steel (duralumin) rivet connecting the airbrake handle to the 
pushrod had become loose.

What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?

    If not corrected, a loose airbrake handle could result in failure 
of airbrake control. This failure could lead to loss of control of the 
sailplane.

Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?

    HPH spol.s r.o. has issued Mandatory bulletin No.: G304CZ-05 a) 
G304CZ17-05 a), dated March 26, 2003.

What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?

    The service bulletin includes procedures for:
     Inspecting to determine the airbrake handle 
attachment rivet material; and
     Replacing any non-steel rivet with a steel 
rivet.

What Action Did the CAA Take?

    The CAA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
Czech Republic AD Number CAA-AD-040/2003, dated May 6, 2003, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes in Czech Republic.

Did the CAA Inform the United States Under the Bilateral Airworthiness 
Agreement?

    These HPH Models Glasfl[uuml]gel 304CZ, 304CZ-17, and 304C 
sailplanes are manufactured in the Czech Republic 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.
    Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAA has kept us 
informed of the situation described above.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

What Has FAA Decided?

    We have examined the CAA's findings, reviewed all available 
information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of 
this type design that are certificated for operation in the United 
States.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other HPH Models Glasfl[uuml]gel 304CZ, 304CZ-17, and 
304C sailplanes of the same type design that are registered in the 
United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent the airbrake 
handle from becoming loose, which could result in failure of the 
airbrake control. This failure could lead to loss of control of the 
sailplane.

What Would This Proposed AD Require?

    This proposed AD would require you to incorporate the actions in 
the previously-referenced service bulletin.

How Does the Revision to 14 CFR Part 39 Affect This Proposed AD?

    On July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 
FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This 
regulation now includes material that relates to altered products, 
special flight permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This 
material previously was included in each individual AD. Since this 
material is included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in 
future AD actions.

Costs of Compliance

How Many Sailplanes Would This Proposed AD Impact?

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 12 sailplanes in the U.S. 
registry.

What Would Be the Cost Impact of This Proposed AD on Owners/Operators 
of the Affected Sailplanes?

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish this proposed 
inspection:

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                                                                  Total cost per
              Labor cost                      Parts cost             airplane       Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65......  Not applicable.........                 $65  $65 x 12 = $780
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[[Page 5304]]

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary 
replacements that would be required based on the results of this 
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
sailplanes that may need this replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Total cost per
          Labor cost               Parts cost             airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 per hour =                   $10  $65 + 10 = $75
 $65.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Findings

Would This Proposed AD Impact Various Entities?

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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.

Would This Proposed AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

HPH S. R.O.: Docket No. 2003-CE-63-AD.

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by March 4, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Models Glasfl[uuml]gel 304CZ, 304CZ-17, and 
304C sailplanes, serial numbers 1 though 60-17, that are 
certificated in any category.

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for the 
Czech Republic. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent the airbrake handle from becoming loose, which could result 
in failure of the airbrake control. This failure could lead to loss 
of control of the sailplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

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                Actions                              Compliance                           Procedures
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect to determine the airbrake   Within the next 25 hours time-in-    Follow HPH spol.s r.o. Mandatory
 handle attachment rivet material.       service (TIS) after the effective    Bulletin No.: G304CZ-05 a)
                                         date of this AD.                     G304CZ17-05 a), dated March 26,
                                                                              2003.
(2) Replace any non-steel attachment    Before further flight after the      Follow HPH spol.s r.o. Mandatory
 rivet with a steel rivet.               inspection required in paragraph     Bulletin No.: G304CZ-05 a)
                                         (e)(1) of this AD.                   G304CZ17-05 a), dated March 26,
                                                                              2003.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.13. Send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, 
Small Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already 
approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Greg Davison, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD 
from HPH spol.s r.o., C[aacute]slavsk[aacute] 126, P.O. Box 112, 
CZ284 01 Kutn[aacute] Hora, Czech Republic; telephone: 011-42-327 
513441; e-mail: [email protected].
    You may view these documents at FAA, Central Region, Office of 
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) Czech Republic AD Number CAA-AD-040/2003, dated May 6, 2003.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 26, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2252 Filed 2-3-04; 8:45 am]
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