[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 118 (Monday, June 21, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34258-34262]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-13566]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-CE-35-AD; Amendment 39-13676; AD 2003-19-14 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH 
& CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III 
ACRO Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-19-14 which 
applies to all BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG (GROB) 
Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C 
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. AD 2003-19-14 currently requires you to 
modify the airspeed indicators, install flight speed reduction and 
aerobatic maneuver restrictions placards (as applicable), and revise 
the flight and maintenance manual. This AD retains all the actions in 
AD 2003-19-14 for all Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes, removes Model 
G103 TWIN II from the applicability, and retains the aerobatic maneuver 
restriction for Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This AD also 
requires you to revise the modification to airspeed indicators, install 
a revised flight speed reduction placard, and revise the flight and 
maintenance manual for certain Models G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C 
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. Simple Aerobatic maneuvers are also re-
approved for Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes. An option for 
modifying the rear fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C 
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes that terminates the flight limitation 
restrictions for aerobatic maneuvers is also included in this AD.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 12, 2004.
    As of August 12, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed 
in the regulation.

ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD 
from GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; 
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected].

[[Page 34259]]

    You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the 
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-35-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: Gregory A. 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:

Discussion

    What events have caused this AD? Reports from the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, that 
the safety margins established into the design of the fuselage may not 
have been sufficient to sustain limit loads during certain maneuvers 
and during flight at certain speeds caused us to issue AD 2003-19-14, 
Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September 30, 2003). AD 2003-19-14 
requires the following:

--Modifying the airspeed indicators;
--Installing placards restricting flight speeds, prohibiting aerobatic 
maneuvers, and restricting load limits; and
--Incorporating revisions to the flight and maintenance manuals.

    AD 2003-19-14 was issued as an interim action until the 
manufacturer completed further investigations into the effects of 
certain flight conditions on the fuselage structure and the development 
of corrective procedures.
    What has happened since AD 2003-19-14 to initiate this AD action? 
The manufacturer conducted further static strength tests to verify the 
safety margin of the fuselage on the affected sailplanes. The results 
of these tests verified the following:
    For Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:

--Retain all flight limitation restrictions in AD 2003-19-14.

    For Model G103 TWIN II sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver 
operations. For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver 
operations; and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles, 
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).

    For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations except for rough air 
(VB) and maneuvering speeds (VA); and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles, 
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).

    For Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes:

--Increase airspeed limits specified in AD 2003-19-14 but maintain a 
reduction from the original limitations; and
--Retain restrictions in AD 2003-19-14 on all aerobatic flights, 
including simple maneuvers, and cloud flying.

    The manufacturer has also developed a modification for Models G103A 
TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes 
(aerobatic category). When this modification is incorporated, full 
acrobatic status is restored to these sailplanes.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not 
prevented, damage to the fuselage during limit load flight could result 
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss of 
control of the sailplane.
    Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to 
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to 
include an AD that would apply to certain GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, 
G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This proposal 
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) on May 5, 2004 (69 FR 11111). The NPRM proposed to 
retain all the actions in AD 2003-19-14 for all Model G103 TWIN ASTIR 
sailplanes, remove Model G103 TWIN II from the applicability, and 
retain the aerobatic maneuver restriction for Model G103C TWIN III ACRO 
sailplanes. The NPRM also proposed to require you to revise the 
modification to airspeed indicators, install a revised flight speed 
reduction placard, and revise the flight and maintenance manual for 
certain Models G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. 
Simple Aerobatic maneuvers were also proposed to be re-approved for 
Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes. An option for modifying the rear 
fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III ACRO 
sailplanes that terminates the flight limitation restrictions for 
aerobatic maneuvers was also included in the NPRM.

Comments

    Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the 
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no 
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the 
public.

Conclusion

    What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully 
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the 
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor 
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for 
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already 
proposed in the NPRM.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD

    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, 
July 22, 2002), which governs the 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 does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD 
affects 94 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the 
affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the 
modifications to the airspeed indicators, flight limitations placards, 
and revising the flight and maintenance manual:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Total cost  per
             Labor cost                      Parts cost            Sailplane       Total Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 = $65..............  Not applicable.........              $65   $65 x 94 =$6,110
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[[Page 34260]]

    We estimate the following costs to accomplish the fuselage 
modification on 35 of the affected sailplanes in the aerobatic 
category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Total cost per
             Labor cost                  Parts cost         sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 workhours x $65 = $1,950.........           $5,307            $7,257
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Regulatory Findings

    Will this AD impact various entities? We have determined that this 
AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. 
This AD 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.
    Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For 
the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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 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-35-AD'' in your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2003-19-14, Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September 30, 2003), and 
by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2003-19-14 R1 BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG: 
Amendment 39-13676; Docket No. 2003-CE-35-AD.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

    (a) This AD becomes effective on August 12, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G103 TWIN ASTIR...........................  All serial numbers.
G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)...  3544 through 34078 with
                                             suffix ``K''.
G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category)..  34101 through 34203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 prevent 
the possibility of damage to the fuselage during limit load flight. 
Such a condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
fuselage and 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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For G103 TWIN ASTIR           Within the next 10  Following GROB
 sailplanes:                       hours time-in-      Alert Service
 (i) modify the airspeed           service (TIS)       Bulletin No.
 indicators;                       after October 20,   ASB315-64/2,
 (ii) install flight speed,        2003 (the           dated August 13,
 aerobatic maneuver, and load      effective date of   2003.
 limit restriction placards; and   AD 2003-19-14).
 (iii) revise the flight and
 maintenance manual
(2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO
 (utility and acrobatic
 category) and G103C TWIN III
 ACRO (acrobatic category)
 sailplanes:
 (i) re-set the airspeed
 indicator to the new placard
 limitations; and
 (ii) install the following 2
 placards on Model G103A TWIN II
 ACRO (aerobatic category)
 sailplanes:
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[[Page 34261]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.006


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                                  Within the next 25  Follow GROB
 (iii) install the following 2     hours time-in-      Service Bulletin
 placards on Model G103C TWIN      service (TIS)       No. MSB315-65,
 III ACRO (aerobatic category)     after August 12,    dated September
 sailplanes:                       2004 (the           15, 2003.
                                   effective date of
                                   this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                       [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.007
                                                       

------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO        At any time after   Follow GROB
 (acrobatic category) and G103     August 12, 2004     Service Bulletin
 TWIN III ACRO (ascrobatic         (the effective      No. OSB 315-66,
 Category) sailplanes: as an       date of this AD).   dated October 16,
 alternative to the flight                             2003, and Work
 restrictions in paragraph                             Instruction for
 (e)(2) of this AD, you may                            OSB 315-66, dated
 install additional stringers in                       October 16, 2003.
 the rear fuselage section.
 Installing additional stringers
 terminates the flight
 restrictions in paragraph
 (e)(2) of this AD.
(4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO
 (acrobatic category) and G103C
 TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic
 category) sailplanes: only if
 you installed the additional
 stringers specified in
 paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, do
 the following:
 (i) remove the placard
 prohibiting all aerobatic
 maneuvers;
 (ii) install the following
 flight limitation placard on
 Model G103A TWIN II ACRO
 (aerobatic category)
 sailplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 34262]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.008


------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Prior to further    Follow GROB
 (iii) install the following       flight after        Service Bulletin
 flight limitation placard on      doing the actions   No. OSB 315-66,
 Model G103C TWIN II ACRO          in paragraph        dated October 16,
 (aerobatic category)              (e)(3) of this AD.  2003.
 sailplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                       [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.009
                                                       
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 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Gregory A. 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 must do the actions required by this AD following the 
instructions in GROB Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB315-64/2, dated 
August 13, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated 
September 15, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated 
October 16, 2003; and GROB Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated 
October 16, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from GROB 
Luft- und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-
Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49 
8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected]. You may 
review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at 
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) German AD Number D-2004-002, dated January 23, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 9, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13566 Filed 6-18-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P