[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 57 (Tuesday, March 25, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16248-16250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06497]



[[Page 16248]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0180; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-004-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-
Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' 
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 
Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' 
Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes that would supersede AD 2004-11-
10. 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 fatigue damage of 
the welded joint between the airbrake torque tube and the airbrake 
control system lever located inside the fuselage. We are issuing this 
proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 9, 2014.

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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Allstar PZL Glider, Sp. z o. o., ul. Cieszynska 325, 43-300 Bielsko-
Biala, Poland; telephone: +48 33 812 50 26; fax: +48 33 812 3739; 
email: [email protected]; Internet: http://szd.com.pl/en/products/szd-50-3-puchacz. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0180; 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: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

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-2014-0180; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-004-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 27, 2004, we issued AD 2004-11-10, Amendment 39-13656 (69 FR 
31872; June 8, 2004). That AD required actions intended to address an 
unsafe condition on Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne 
Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2004-11-10 (69 FR 31872; June 8, 2004), service 
information has been introduced that identifies new inspection and 
replacement requirements on the airbrake torque tube and the airbrake 
control system lever.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2014-0015, dated January 14, 2014 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences of airbrake torque tube failure were 
reported on SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes. In all cases, as a 
result of disruption of the welded joint between torque tube and the 
lever, the broken torque tube detached from the lever located in the 
fuselage. The result of subsequent investigations identified fatigue 
damage, as a consequence of periodical striking load exceeding the 
established maximum value, to be a possible failure cause. 
Additionally, corrosion damage was identified at internal surface of 
the opened tube.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, would inhibit the 
function of the airbrake, possibly resulting in reduced control of 
the sailplane.
    Prompted by these findings, Allstar PZL issued Service Bulletin 
(SB) No. BE-052/SZD-50-3/2003 to provide inspection instructions. 
CAO of Poland issued AD SP-0052-2003-A to require a one-time 
inspection of the airbrake torque tube in the area of welded joint 
in accordance with that SB.
    Since that AD was issued, Allstar PZL issued SB No. BE-062/SZD-
50-3/2013 to introduce repetitive inspections and accomplishment 
instructions for reinforced torque tube inspections.
    For the reasons described above, this AD supersedes CAO of 
Poland AD SP-0052-2003-A and requires repetitive inspections of the 
airbrake torque tube and, depending on findings, replacement with a 
serviceable part.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0180.

Relevant Service Information

    Allstar PZL Glider has issued Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. 
Mandatory Service Bulletin No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated 
September 16, 2013. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

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

[[Page 16249]]

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 5 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 5 hours for the 
proposed annual inspection of sailplanes equipped with the old version 
torque tube; 1 hour for the proposed annual inspection of sailplanes 
equipped with the new version torque tube; and 5 hours for the proposed 
1,000-hour annual inspection of sailplanes equipped with the new 
version torque tube. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 5 work-hours and require parts costing $875, for a cost of 
$1,300 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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

0
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]

0
2. Amend Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-13656 (69 FR 31872, June 
8, 2004), and adding the following new AD:

Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-
Bielsko'': Docket No. FAA-2014-0180; Directorate Identifier 2014-CE-
004-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 9, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2004-11-10, Amendment 39-13656 (69 FR 
31872, June 8, 2004).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne 
Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by 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 fatigue damage of the welded 
joint between the airbrake torque tube and the airbrake control 
system lever located inside the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct fatigue damage of the airbrake torque tube and 
the airbrake control system lever which may cause a malfunction of 
the airbrake, resulting in loss of control of the sailplane.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (f)(6) of this AD:
    (1) For sailplanes equipped with the old version torque tube, 
with or without reinforced corner: Initially within 30 days after 
the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed every 12 months or 100 hours time-in-service 
(TIS), whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection of the 
airbrake torque tube following the inspection procedures in 
paragraph (2)(b) in Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. Service Bulletin 
No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated September 16, 2013.
    (2) For sailplanes equipped with the new type torque tube, with 
reinforced corner: Initially within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
every 12 months or 100 hours TIS, whichever occurs first, visually 
inspect the welded joint of the airbrake torque tube following the 
conditions of inspection, first bulleted item of paragraph 
(2)(a)(2), in Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. Service Bulletin No. BE-
062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated September 16, 2013.
    (3) For sailplanes equipped with the new type torque tube, with 
reinforced corner: During the first 1,000-hour inspection after the 
effective date of this AD, and then repetitively at each scheduled 
1,000-hour inspection, do a detailed inspection of the welded joint 
of the airbrake torque tube following the inspection procedures in 
paragraph (2)(b) in Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. Service Bulletin 
No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated September 16, 2013.
    (4) For all sailplanes: If during any inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1), (f)(2), or (f)(3) of this AD any damage is found 
as detailed in paragraph (2)(c) of PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. Service 
Bulletin No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated September 16, 
2013, replace the airbrake torque tube as described in the Post-
inspection procedures, paragraph (2)(c), of Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z 
o.o. Service Bulletin No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated 
September 16, 2013.
    (5) For all sailplanes: Replacement of an airbrake torque tube, 
as required by paragraph (4) of this AD, does not constitute 
terminating action for inspection requirements of paragraphs (f)(1), 
(f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
    (6) For all sailplanes: Compliance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2) or (f)(3) of this AD can be demonstrated 
by incorporating the applicable required inspections and follow-on 
corrective actions, as specified in Allstar PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. 
Service Bulletin No. BE-062/SZD-50-3/2013 ``Puchacz'', dated 
September 16, 2013 into the approved instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICA) of the maintenance program.

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(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected]. 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2014-0015, dated January 14, 2014, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0180. For service 
information related to this AD, contact Allstar PZL Glider, Sp. z o. 
o., ul. Cieszynska 325, 43-300 Bielsko-Biala, Poland; telephone: +48 
33 812 50 26; fax: +48 33 812 3739; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://szd.com.pl/en/products/szd-50-3-puchacz. You may 
review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 19, 2014.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06497 Filed 3-24-14; 8:45 am]
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