[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 29 (Monday, February 14, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7443-7446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-2765]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB 
Sailplanes and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a 
Solo engine and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes 
equipped with a Solo engine. This proposed AD would require you to 
inspect the propeller for damage, specifically foam core separation, 
and replace any damaged propeller. This proposed AD results from 
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 propeller, which could result in 
failure of the propeller to perform properly. This failure could lead 
to reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 31, 
2005.

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.
     Government-wide 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.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone, 49 7257 890; fax, 49 7257 8922.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
This is docket number FAA-2004-19959.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room 301, 901 Locust, 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 the 
docket number, ``FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-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

[[Page 7444]]

docket number FAA-2004-19959. 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 DG Flugzeugbau 
GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine and all 
Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a 
Solo engine. The LBA reports that a damaged propeller was found on a 
Model DG-800B sailplane.
    The foam core inside the propeller separated and caused one blade 
to be thicker than the other. The propeller became overheated after the 
engine was retracted. This was possibly due to limited ventilation. The 
LBA reports three occurrences of this condition.
    The propeller on Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo 
engine is of a similar design to Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with 
a Solo engine.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected 
and corrected, damage to the propeller, specifically foam core 
separation, could cause the propeller to fail to perform properly. This 
failure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH has issued Technical Note No. 843/19 (LBA approved on 
April 7, 2004; EASA approved on April 26, 2004); and Technical Note 
873/29 (LBA approved on April 7, 2004; EASA approved April 26, 2004).
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the propeller for damage; and
--Replacing any damaged propeller found.
    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified these technical 
notes as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-195 and AD Number 
D-2004-196, both dated April 23, 2004, to ensure the continued 
airworthiness of these sailplanes in Germany.
    Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB 
sailplanes and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes and 
other Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes of the 
same type design that are registered in the United States, we are 
proposing AD action to detect and correct damage to the propeller, 
which could result in failure of the propeller to operate properly. 
This failure could lead to reduced or 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 
information.
    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 31 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 do this proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Total cost per      Total cost on U.S.
               Labor cost                         Parts cost             sailplane             operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65........   Not applicable...........             $65  $65 x 31 = $2,015.
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    We estimate the following costs to do 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:

[[Page 7445]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
               Labor cost                   Parts cost       sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65........          $4,000         $4,065.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

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 FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-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):

DG Flugzeugbau GMBH and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GMBH: Docket No. 
FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-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 31, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

    (b) None.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects all Model DG-500MB and DG-800B sailplanes 
that are:
    (1) certificated in any category; and
    (2) equipped with a Solo engine

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 propeller, which could result in failure of 
the propeller to perform properly. This failure could lead to 
reduced or 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) Inspect the propeller for   Within 25 hours    Follow DG Flugzeugbau
 any signs of damage.            time-in-service    Technical Note No.
                                 (TIS) after the    843/19 (LBA this AD.
                                 effective date     approved on April 7,
                                 of AD.             2004; EASA approved
                                                    on April 26, 2004);
                                                    and DG Flugzeugbau
                                                    Technical Note 873/
                                                    29 (LBA approved on
                                                    April 7, 2004; EASA
                                                    approved April 26,
                                                    2004), as
                                                    applicable.
(2) If any damage is found      Before further     Follow DG Flugzeugbau
 during the inspection           flight after the   Technical Note No.
 required in paragraph (e)(1)    inspection         843/19 (LBA
 of this AD, replace the         required in        paragraph (e)(1)
 propeller.                      paragraph (e)(1)   approved on April 7,
                                 of this AD.        2004; EASA approved
                                                    on April 26, 2004);
                                                    and DG Flugzeugbau
                                                    Technical Note 873/
                                                    29 (LBA approved on
                                                    April 7, 2004; EASA
                                                    approved April 26,
                                                    2004), as
                                                    applicable.
(3) Insert the following        Within 25 hours    The owner/operator
 language in the LImitations     TIS after the      holding at least a
 Section of the AFM:             effective date     private pilot
 ``Caution: With high            of this AD.        certificate as
 temperatures (temperature on                       authorized by
 ground above 25[deg]C/                             section 43.7 of the
 77[deg]F) there is the risk                        Federal Aviation
 of authorized by overheating                       Regulations (14 CFR
 the propeller after engine                         43.7) may do the
 retraction. To avoid damage                        flight manual
 extend the engine again via                        changes requirement
 manual switch (approx. 1                           of this AD. Make an
 second) to open the engine                         entry in the
 doors, retract again 5                             aircraft records
 minutes''                                          showing compliance
                                                    with this portion of
                                                    the AD following
                                                    section 43.9 of the
                                                    Federal Aviation
                                                    Regulations (14 CFR
                                                    43.9).
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: For Model DG-500MB sailplanes, FAA recommends you install 
a polyurethane shock absorber at the retaining cable mounting in the 
fuselage. This is specified in DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note No. 
843/19 (LBA approved on April 7, 2004; EASA approved on April 26, 
2004). The approximate cost to install the shock

[[Page 7446]]

absorber is $520 (4 work hours x $65 per hour for labor = $260 + 
$260 for parts).

    Starting with serial number 5E243B20 and on, this shock absorber 
is being installed at production.

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 Davison, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room 
301, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-
4130; facsimile: 816-329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) German AD Number D-2004-195 and AD Number D-2004-196, both 
dated April 23, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.

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

    (h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone, 49 7257 890; fax, 49 7257 8922. To view the AD docket, go 
to 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. This 
is docket number FAA-2004-19959.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2765 Filed 2-11-05; 8:45 am]
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