[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42360-42363]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16097]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18030; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-13-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE Model G120A Airplanes

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 GROB-WERKE (GROB) Model G120A airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require you to repetitively inspect visually the area between the 
vertical stabilizer main spar and the nearby vertical stabilizer skin 
for any disbonding/crack; repair any disbonding/crack found; and 
calculate weight and balance after any repair. 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 any disbonding/crack in the area 
between the vertical stabilizer main spar and nearby stabilizer skin, 
which could result in possible structural failure. This failure could 
lead to difficulty in airplane flight control.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by August 16, 
2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Governmentwide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49 8268 
998139; facsimile: 49 8268 998200.
    You may view the comments to this proposed AD in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

[[Page 42361]]


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 the 
docket number, ``FAA-2004-18030; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-13-AD'' 
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we 
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
This is docket number FAA-2004-18030. You may review the DOT's complete 
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 
2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    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.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on 
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at 
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available 
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt 
(LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently 
notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all GROB Model G120A 
airplanes. The LBA reports that a routine inspection of a Model G120A-I 
airplane found disbonding/cracking in the area between the vertical 
stabilizer main spar and nearby vertical stabilizer skin near the VOR 
(very high frequency omnidirectional range) antenna. A fleet-wide 
inspection of the Model G120A-I airplane fleet found one other Model 
G120A-I airplane with disbonding/cracking in the same area. The most 
likely reason for the disbonding/cracking was an incorrectly installed 
antenna support bracket, which caused permanent tension on the bonding 
seam. This resulted in disbonding/cracking in the area near the VOR 
antenna.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Any disbonding/
crack in the area between the vertical stabilizer main spar and nearby 
stabilizer skin could result in possible structural failure. This 
failure could lead to difficulty in airplane flight control.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? GROB has 
issued Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-049, dated April 20, 2004.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information includes procedures for:

--Inspecting visually the area between the vertical stabilizer main 
spar and the nearby vertical stabilizer skin for any disbonding/
cracking); and
--Contacting the manufacturer for a repair instruction if any 
disbonding/crack is found.

    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-204, dated 
April 23, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Germany.
    Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These GROB Model G120A airplanes 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 GROB Model G120A airplanes of the same type design 
that are registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to 
detect and correct any disbonding/crack in the area between the 
vertical stabilizer main spar and nearby stabilizer skin, which could 
result in possible structural failure. This failure could lead to 
difficulty in airplane flight control.
    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 airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 6 airplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected airplanes? We estimate the following costs to 
do this proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Total cost per
             Labor cost                    Parts cost            airplane        Total cost on U.S.  operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65....  Not Applicable........              $65   6 x $65 = $390.
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[[Page 42362]]

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary repairs that 
would be required based on the results of this proposed inspection. We 
have no way of determining the number of airplanes that may need this 
repair:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
           Labor cost                  Parts cost            airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
20 workhours x $65 per hour =    The manufacturer               $1,300.
 $1,300.                          covers under warranty
                                  and will supply any
                                  parts for the new U-
                                  profile assembly
                                  (antenna support
                                  bracket) consisting
                                  of part numbers: 120A-
                                  2363.02; 120A-2364;
                                  and 120A-2365.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 
the docket number, ``FAA-2004-18030; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-13-
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):

Grob-Werke: Docket No. FAA-2004-18030; Directorate Identifier 2004-
CE-13-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 August 16, 2004.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Airplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects Model G120A airplanes, 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 any disbonding/crack in the area between the vertical 
stabilizer main spar and nearby stabilizer skin, which could result 
in possible structural failure. This failure could lead to 
difficulty in airplane flight control.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the area between  Within the next 50    Follow GROB Luft-und
 the vertical stabilizer       hours time-in-        Raumfahrt Service
 main spar and the nearby      service (TIS) after   Bulletin No.
 vertical stabilizer skin      the effective date    MSB1121-049, dated
 for any disbonding/crack      of this AD, unless    April 20, 2004. The
 along the spar/skin contact   already done.         applicable airplane
 (both sides of the vertical   Repetitively          maintenance manual
 stabilizer).                  inspect thereafter    also addresses this
                               at every 50 hours     issue.
                               TIS.
-----------------------------
(2) If any disbonding/crack   Before further        Follow GROB Luft-und
 is found during any           flight after any      Raumfahrt Service
 inspection required by        inspection required   Bulletin No.
 paragraph (e)(1) of this      by paragraph (e)(1)   MSB1121-049, dated
 AD:                           of this AD where      April 20, 2004; and
(i) get a repair instruction   any disbonding/       any repair
 from the manufacturer; and.   crack is found.       instruction
(ii) follow this repair                              obtained from GROB
 instruction.                                        Luft-und Raumfahrt,
(iii) The repetitive                                 Lettenbachstrasse
 inspections of paragraph                            9, D-86874
 (e)(1) of this AD are still                         Tussenhausen-
 required after any repair.                          Mattsies, Federal
                                                     Republic of
                                                     Germany; telephone:
                                                     49 8268 998139;
                                                     facsimile: 49 8268
                                                     998200. Obtain
                                                     approval of and
                                                     this repair
                                                     instruction through
                                                     the FAA at the
                                                     address specified
                                                     in paragraph (f) of
                                                     this AD. The
                                                     applicable airplane
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     also addresses this
                                                     issue.
-----------------------------
(3) Calculate weight and      Before further        Follow GROB Luft-und
 balance after any repair      flight after any      Raumfahrt Service
 required by paragraph         repair required by    Bulletin No.
 (e)(2) of this AD.            paragraph (e)(2) of   MSB1121-049, dated
                               this AD.              April 20, 2004. The
                                                     applicable airplane
                                                     maintenance manual
                                                     also addresses this
                                                     issue.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 42363]]

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 Karl Schletzbaum, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; 
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 GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49 
8268 998139; facsimile: 49 8268 998200. You may view the AD docket 
at the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (h) German AD Number D-2004-204, dated April 23, 2004, also 
addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 9, 2004.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16097 Filed 7-14-04; 8:45 am]
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