[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 129 (Thursday, July 3, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38160-38162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-15177]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0685; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-039-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Model S10-VT 
Powered Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This 
proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to 
identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The 
MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    AD 2007-0315-E was issued to address a possible fuel leakage in 
the gear compartment in front of the engine and mandated inspections 
and replacement of fuel plastic-made connectors by connectors made 
of metal. Since its publication, another fuel leakage has been 
reported on a S10-VT which had implemented the STEMME Service 
Bulletin (SB) A31-10-082 as required by AD 2007-0315-E.
    It has been determined that the fuel leak may have been caused 
by the deformation that the originally installed clamps created on 
the fuel hoses and thus preventing the new clamps from being 
sufficiently pinched to perform a correct tightening.

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 4, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0685; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-039-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On May 23, 2008, we issued AD 2008-11-20, Amendment 39-15543 (73 FR 
31355; June 2, 2008). That AD required actions intended to address an 
unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    AD 2008-11-20 was issued as an interim action in order to address 
the need for the immediate prevention of leaks in the area of the fuel 
line.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued 
Emergency AD No. 2008-0053-E, dated March 5, 2008 (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products.
    The EASA AD requires mandatory replacement of STEMME part number 
(P/N) M476 single-ear clamps in the fuel system with P/N 10M-181 
single-ear clamps on all affected sailplanes within 12 months after the 
effective date of the AD.
    The Administrative Procedure Act does not permit the FAA to 
``bootstrap'' a long-term requirement into an urgent safety of flight 
action where the rule becomes effective at the same time the public has 
the opportunity to comment. The short-term action and the long-term 
action are analyzed separately for justification to bypass prior public 
notice.
    We are issuing this AD to address the mandatory replacement of all 
P/Ns M476 in the fuel system with P/Ns 10M-181.

Relevant Service Information

    STEMME F & D has issued Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-Index: 
01.a, dated February 26, 2008. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.

[[Page 38161]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
will affect 46 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it 
would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $11,040, or $240 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 FAA 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 Amendment 39-15543 (73 FR 
31355; June 2, 2008), and adding the following new AD:

Stemme GmbH & Co. KG: Docket No. FAA-2008-0685; Directorate 
Identifier 2008-CE-039-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by August 4, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2008-11-20, Amendment 39-15543.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model S10-VT powered sailplanes, serial 
numbers 11-001 through 11-112, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    AD 2007-0315-E was issued to address a possible fuel leakage in 
the gear compartment in front of the engine and mandated inspections 
and replacement of fuel plastic-made connectors by connectors made 
of metal. Since its publication, another fuel leakage has been 
reported on a S10-VT which had implemented the STEMME Service 
Bulletin (SB) A31-10-082 as required by AD 2007-0315-E.
    It has been determined that the fuel leak may have been caused 
by the deformation that the originally installed clamps created on 
the fuel hoses and thus preventing the new clamps from being 
sufficiently pinched to perform a correct tightening.
    The present Airworthiness Directive (AD) supersedes AD 2007-
0315-E and requires you to check the fuel system according to the 
STEMME SB A31-10-083 as well as to replace single-ear clamps and 
plastic connectors.
    The actions specified by this AD are intended to reduce the 
potential for a fire to ignite and which could lead to loss of 
control of the sailplane.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) For all sailplanes affected by this AD, except for serial 
numbers 11-036, 11-067, 11-068, and 11-090: Before further flight 
after March 21, 2008 (the compliance date retained from AD 2008-03-
06, which was superseded by AD 2008-11-20), replace all plastic T- 
and Y-connectors in the fuel system with metal connectors. Do the 
replacements following STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-082, 
AM.-Index: 01.a, dated November 30, 2007.

    Note: Serial numbers 11-036, 11-067, 11-068, and 11-090 had the 
plastic T- and Y-connectors in the fuel system replaced with metal 
connectors by the manufacturer.

    (2) For all sailplanes affected by this AD: Before further 
flight after June 23, 2008 (the compliance date retained from AD 
2008-11-20), inspect the fuel system for possible leakage. Do the 
inspection following STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-
Index: 01.a, dated February 26, 2008.
    (3) For all sailplanes affected by this AD: If any leak is found 
during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, 
before further flight, repair the leak following an FAA-approved 
procedure (the appropriate maintenance manual contains these 
procedures) and replace all STEMME part number (P/N) M476 single-ear 
clamps in the fuel system with P/N 10M-181 single-ear clamps. Do the 
replacements following STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-

[[Page 38162]]

083, Am-Index: 01.a, dated February 26, 2008.
    (4) For sailplanes that had P/Ns M476 replaced with P/Ns 10M-181 
in compliance with AD 2008-11-20: Before further flight after the 
effective date of this AD, do a leak test as specified in STEMME F & 
D Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-Index: 01.a, dated February 26, 
2008.
    (5) If a leak is found during the leak test required in 
paragraph (f)(4) of this AD, before further flight, repair the leak 
following an FAA-approved procedure. The appropriate maintenance 
manual contains these procedures.
    (6) For all sailplanes affected by this AD: If no leak is found 
during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, 
within the next 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace all P/Ns M476 in the fuel system with P/Ns 10M-181. Do the 
replacements following STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-
Index: 01.a, dated February 26, 2008.
    (7) Before further flight after doing the replacement required 
in paragraph (f)(6) of this AD, do a leak test as specified in 
STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-Index: 01.a, dated 
February 26, 2008.
    (8) If a leak is found during the leak test required in 
paragraph (f)(7) of this AD, before further flight, repair the leak 
following an FAA-approved procedure. The appropriate maintenance 
manual contains these procedures.
    (9) For all sailplanes affected by this AD: After June 23, 2008 
(the compliance date retained from AD 2008-11-20), do not install 
plastic ``T'' and ``Y'' shape connectors and P/N M476 single-ear 
clamps in the fuel system.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-409. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify 
your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight 
Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Emergency AD No. 2008-0053-E, dated March 5, 2008; STEMME F & D 
Service Bulletin A31-10-082, AM.-Index: 01.a, dated November 30, 
2007; and STEMME F & D Service Bulletin A31-10-083, Am-Index: 01.a, 
dated February 26, 2008, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 27, 2008.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-15177 Filed 7-2-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P