[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5477-5479]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2484]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 24 / Thursday, February 5, 2004 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 5477]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-60-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel--Ing. E. Hanle Model
GLASFLUGEL Kestrel 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 Glasflugel--Ing. E. Hanle (Glasflugel) Model GLASFLUGEL Kestrel
sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to inspect the airbrake
actuating shaft for deformation and cracks (hereon referred to as
damage). If any damage is found, this proposed AD would also require
you to repair or replace the airbrake actuation shaft. This proposed AD
is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this
proposed AD to detect and correct damage to the airbrake actuation
shaft, 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.
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-60-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-60-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 Hansjorg Streifeneder, Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hofener
Weg, D-72582, Grabenstetten, Germany; telephone: 07382 1032; facsimile:
07382 1629; 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-60-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-60-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 Lutfahrt-Bundesamt
(LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently
notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Glasflugel Model
GLASFLUGEL Kestrel sailplanes. The LBA reports that, on one of the
affected sailplanes, the airbrakes would not completely open or close.
A visual inspection of that sailplane revealed cracks and deformity
(damage) on the airbrake actuating shaft. Incorrect locking forces of
the airbrake control caused the damage.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If not
detected and corrected, damage to the airbrake actuating shaft 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? H.
Streifeneder has issued Technical Note TN 401-26, dated November 22,
2001.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the airbrake actuation shaft for damage; and
--Repairing or replacing any damaged airbrake actuation shaft.
What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this technical
note as mandatory and issued German AD Number 2002-051, dated March 7,
2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes in
Germany.
Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These Glasflugel Model GLASFLUGEL Kestrel
sailplanes 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.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA 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 LBA'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 Glasflugel Model GLASFLUGEL Kestrel sailplanes of
the
[[Page 5478]]
same type design that are registered in the United States, we are
proposing AD action to detect and correct damage to the airbrake
actuating shaft, which could result in failure of 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 16 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
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S. operators
airplane
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1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65... Not applicable........... $65 $65 x 16 = $1,040.
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary repairs
or 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 repair or replacement:
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Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per airplane
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5 workhours x $65 per hour = $325.............. $40 $325 + $40 = $365.
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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-60-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):
Glasflugel--Ing. E. Hanle: Docket No. 2003-CE-60-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 Model GLASFLUGEL Kestrel sailplanes, all
serial numbers, 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
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and
correct damage to the airbrake actuation shaft, 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:
[[Page 5479]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the airbrake Within the next 25 Follow H.
actuation shaft for cracks and hours time-in- Streifeneder
deformation (damage). service (TIS) Technical Note TN
after the 401-26, dated
effective date of November 22,
this AD. 2001.
Repetitively
inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 12
calendar months.
(2) Repair or replace any Before further Follow H.
cracked or deformed airbrake flight after any Streifeneder
actuation shaft found during inspection Technical Note TN
any inspection required in required in 401-26, dated
paragraph (e)(1) of the AD. paragraph (e)(1) November 22,
of this AD in 2001.
which damage is
found. Continue
with repetitive
inspections after
repairs or
replacements are
made.
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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 Hansjorg Streifeneder, Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hofener
Weg, D-72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; telephone: 07382 1032;
facsimile: 07382 1629; 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) Germany AD Number 2002-051, dated March 7, 2002.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 26, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2484 Filed 2-4-04; 8:45 am]
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