[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 21, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35568-35570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12178]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20768; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-16-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL 
Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-
24-09, which applies to Burkhart Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL 
sailplanes. AD 97-24-09 currently requires repetitively inspecting the 
propeller bearing and upper pulley wheel for increased play and, if 
increased play is found, modifying the propeller bearing and pulley 
wheel. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. 
We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent loss of the sailplane 
propeller caused by increased play in the current design propeller 
bearing and upper pulley wheel. This could result in loss of control of 
the sailplane.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by July 25, 
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 GROB LUFT-und, Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: +49 8268 
998139; facsimile: +49 8268 998200.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
The docket number is FAA-2005-20768; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-16-
AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace 
Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4149.

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-2005-20768; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-16-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-2005-20768; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
16-AD. 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

[[Page 35569]]

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

    Has FAA taken any action to this point? Increased play in the 
propeller bearing and pulley wheel on a Burkhart Grob Model G 103 C 
Twin III SL sailplane caused us to issue AD 97-24-09, Amendment 39-
10216 (62 FR 62945, November 26, 1997). AD 97-24-09 currently requires 
the following on Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL sailplanes:

--Repetitively inspecting the propeller bearing and upper pulley wheel 
for increased play; and
--If increased play is found, modifying the propeller bearing and 
pulley wheel with a part of improved design.

    What has happened since AD 97-24-09 to initiate this proposed 
action? The LBA, which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, 
recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 97-24-09. On April 24, 
2002, Grob issued Service Bulletin 869-18/3, dated May 24, 2002, 
further revising the installation requirements (torque values) 
specified in their previous bulletin. Specifically, the service 
bulletin includes procedures for modifying the grooved nut of the upper 
pulley wheel.
    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD 1996-206/3, dated August 22, 
2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes in 
Germany.
    Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL 
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 Burkhart Grob Model G 103 C Twin III SL sailplanes 
of the same type design that are registered in the United States, we 
are proposing AD action to prevent loss of the sailplane propeller 
caused by increased play in the current design propeller bearing and 
upper pulley wheel. This could result in loss of control of the 
sailplane.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would 
supersede AD 97-24-09 with a new AD that would 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 8 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 modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Total cost    Total cost
          Labor cost             Parts cost        per         on U.S.
                                                sailplane     operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6 workhours x $65 = $390.....          N/A          $390        $3,120
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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-2005-20768;

[[Page 35570]]

Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-16-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 removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 97-24-09, Amendment 39-10216 (62 FR 62945, November 26, 1997), and 
by adding a new AD to read as follows:

Burkhart Grob Luft-und: Docket No. FAA-2005-20768; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-16-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 July 25, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 97-24-09, Amendment 39-10216.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the Model G 103 C Twin III SL sailplanes, 
serial numbers 35002 through 35051, that are certificated in any 
category.

What is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of increased play of the propeller 
bearing. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
loss of the sailplane propeller caused by increased play in the 
current design propeller bearing and upper pulley wheel. This could 
result in 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify the propeller bearing and  Within 25 engine    Follow Burkhart
 upper pulley wheel by             operating hours     Grob Service
 installing a new securing plate   after the           Bulletin MSB869-
 (part number 103SL-W-6400.12)     effective date of   18, dated March
 and tightening the grooved nut.   this AD.            7, 1996
 Use the new torque values as                          (including the
 specified in the Burkhart Grob                        reissued page 6
 Service Bulletin MSB869-18/3,                         from Burkhart
 dated May 24, 2002.                                   Grob Service
                                                       Bulletin MSB869-
                                                       18/2, dated July
                                                       3, 1996, issued
                                                       as a complement
                                                       and a correction
                                                       to Burkhart Grob
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       MSB869-18, dated
                                                       March 7, 1996)
                                                       and Burkhart Grob
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       MSB869-18/3,
                                                       dated May 24,
                                                       2002. Use the new
                                                       torque values as
                                                       specified in the
                                                       Burkhart Grob
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       MSG869-18/3,
                                                       dated May 24,
                                                       2002.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 comments and will send your 
request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane 
Directorate, FAA. For information on any alternative methods of 
compliance, contact Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-
4149.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) LBA Airworthiness Directive 1996-206/3, dated August 22, 
2002; Burkhart Grob Service Bulletin MSB869-18, dated March 7, 1996; 
Grob Service Bulletin MSB869-18/2, dated July 3, 1996; and Grob 
Service Bulletin MSB869-18/3, dated May 24, 2002, 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 GROB LUFT-und, Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 
tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: +49 
8268 998139; facsimile: +49 8268 998200. 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-2005-20768; Directorate ID 2005-CE-16-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 15, 2005.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12178 Filed 6-20-05; 8:45 am]
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