[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 165 (Friday, August 26, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50223-50226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16986]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-40-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 Model G120A airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require you to inspect for signs of any chafing damage to the 
attachment cables of the switch panels below the left-hand instrument 
panel, any damaged switch below the switch panels of the left-hand 
instrument panel, any damaged (that is, sharp) edge of the support tray 
for the attachment cables of the switch panels below the left-hand 
instrument panel; correct any damage found during the inspection; and 
apply a layer of anti-rub (protective padding) strips to the edge of 
the support tray. 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, correct, and 
prevent chafing of the cables against the rear lip of the tray that 
holds the switch panels. Chafing of the electrical cables could result 
in smoke or fire in the cockpit.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by September 
26, 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, S.W., 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: 011 49 
8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
This is docket number FAA-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
40-AD.

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.

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

[[Page 50224]]

number, ``FAA-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-40-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-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
40-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 
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 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 GROB received a report of smoke in the 
cockpit on a Model G120A airplane. The emergency avionic switch on the 
switch panel below the left-hand instrument panel was identified as the 
source of the smoke.
    Chafing of the cables against the rear lip of the tray that holds 
the switch panels caused damage of the cable insulation. This damage 
resulted in arcing and melting of insulation.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Chafing of the 
electrical cables could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? GROB has 
issued Service Bulletin No. MSB1121-065, dated July 1, 2005.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting attachment cable bundles of switches below the switch 
panels of the left-hand instrument panel for any signs of chafing 
damage;
--Replacing attachment cable bundles if any chafing damage is found;
--Inspecting for any damaged (that is, sharp) edge on the support tray 
for the attachment cables of switches below the switch panels of the 
left-hand instrument panel;
--Grinding off any sharp edge on the support tray and cleaning 
thoroughly;
--Replacing any damaged switch on switch panels of the left-hand 
instrument panel; and
--Applying a layer of anti-rub strips (protective padding) to the edges 
of the panels.

    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2005-242, dated 
July 1, 2005, 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, correct, and prevent chafing of the cables against the rear lip 
of the tray that holds the switch panels. Chafing of the electrical 
cables could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.
    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, replacement of any damaged cable bundle, 
damaged switch, or grinding off any sharp edge on the support tray, and 
installation of the protective padding:

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                                                                               Total cost per     Total cost on
                        Labor cost                             Parts cost         airplane       U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 an hour = $65...........................               $20               $85    $85 x 6 = $510
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[[Page 50225]]

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-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-40-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-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-
CE-40-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 September 26, 2005.

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, 
correct, and prevent chafing of the cables against the rear lip of 
the tray that holds the switch panels. Chafing of the electrical 
cables could result in smoke or fire in the cockpit.

What Must I do To Address This Problem?

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

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect for:
(i) Any signs of chafing damage   Within the next 50  Follow GROB
 to the attachment cables of       hours time-in-      Service Bulletin
 switches below the switch         service (TIS)       No. MSB1121-065
 panels of the left-hand           after the           dated July 1,
 instrument panel;.                effective date of   2005.
(ii) Any damaged switch on         this AD, unless
 switch panels of the left-hand    already done.
 instrument panel; and.
(iii) Any damaged (that is,
 sharp) edge of the support tray
 for the attachment cables of
 switches below the switch
 panels of the left-hand
 instrument panel..
(2) Correct any damage found as   Before further      Follow GROB
 a result of the inspection        flight after the    Service Bulletin
 required by paragraph (e)(1) of   inspection          No. MSB1121-065
 this AD.                          required by         dated July 1,
(i) If you find any signs of       paragraph (e)(1)    2005.
 chafing damage to the             of this AD.
 attachment cables of switches
 below the switch panels of the
 left-hand instrument panel,
 replace the attachment cables;.
(ii) If you find any damaged
 switch below the switch panels
 of the left-hand instrument
 panel, replace the switch; and.
(iii) If you find any damaged
 (that is, sharp) edge on the
 support tray for the attachment
 cables of switches below the
 switch panels of the left-hand
 instrument panel, grind off any
 sharp edges and clean
 thoroughly..

[[Page 50226]]

 
(3) Apply anti-rub (padding)      Before further      Follow GROB
 strips to the edge of the         flight after the    Service Bulletin
 support tray for the attachment   inspection          No. MSB1121-065
 cables of switches below the      required by         dated July 1,
 switch panels of the left-hand    paragraph (e)(1)    2005.
 instrument panel.                 of this AD. This
                                   modification is
                                   required even if
                                   damage is not
                                   found during the
                                   inspections.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) German AD Number D-2005-242, effective date: July 1, 2005, 
also addresses 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: 011 
49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 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-2005-21998; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-40-
AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 19, 2005.
Terry L. Chasteen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16986 Filed 8-25-05; 8:45 am]
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