[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 64 (Thursday, April 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18615-18617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-06627]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0019; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-045-AD; 
Amendment 39-17811; AD 2014-06-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau 
Gliders

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued 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 inadequate guidance for spin training 
operations. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 8, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 8, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0019; or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Alexander 
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-Schleicher-Str. 1, D-
36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89-0; fax: +49 (0) 
06658 89-40; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/; email: 
[email protected]. You may review this 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.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Alexander Schleicher, 
Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders. That NPRM was published in the 
Federal Register on January 15, 2014 (79 FR 2595). That NPRM proposed 
to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based 
on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by 
an aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:

    ASK 21 sailplane spin characteristics can be controlled using 
tail ballast weights, ensuring that pilots of all weights can 
achieve the same spin results. Although the tail ballast weights 
were designed to control the centre of gravity of the sailplane, 
these weights significantly affect the inertia terms that govern the 
sailplane response to spin manoeuvres. Schleicher issued a Technical 
Note (TN) Nr. 4 in 1980 (mainly used in Switzerland) to provide 
instructions for the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for spin training. 
These instructions did not provide proper protection against 
accomplishment of single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast 
installed.
    Schleicher issued a TN Nr. 4a in 2004 to provide instructions to 
the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) amendments to address spin ballast 
installation and facilitate two seated spin training. However, these 
instructions did not provide proper guidance for the spin entry 
techniques. The safety margin in respect to inertia limits was 
marginal for pilot weights less than 70 kg on the front seat.
    Furthermore, in one case, it was observed that a control surface 
gap was not sealed in accordance with design data approved for that 
aircraft.
    Single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast installed, if 
not corrected, could lead to sailplane operation beyond its centre 
of gravity limits. Flights with low inertia momentum around Y axis 
(as a result of the low weight crew) could result in reduced safety 
margin in respect to inertia limits.
    Improperly sealed control surface gap during spin recovery could 
lead to significant delay of recovery and reduced control of the 
sailplane.
    To address these potential unsafe conditions, Schleicher issued 
TN Nr. 4b for ASK 21 model sailplanes and TN Nr. 7 for ASK 21 Mi 
model sailplanes to amend the associated AFM and Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures and installation of a cockpit 
placard, as applicable to sailplane model.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of 
the AFM, AMM and installation of a cockpit placard.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0019-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 2595, January 15, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 2595, January 15, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 2595, January 15, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2.5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $250 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $27,287.50, or $462.50 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:

[[Page 18616]]

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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 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),
    (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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-
2014-0019; 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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2014-06-07 Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau: Amendment 39-
17811; Docket No. FAA-2014-0019; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-045-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 8, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model 
ASK 21 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, 
that have incorporated:
    (1) Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 
No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; or
    (2) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 
Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 11: Placards and 
Markings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by 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 inadequate 
guidance for spin training operations. We are issuing this proposed 
AD to ensure the placard installed in the aircraft cockpit, the 
aircraft flight manual (AFM), and the instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICA) all have adequate guidance for spin training 
operations.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher 
Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 
1980: Within 30 days after May 8, 2014 (the effective date of this 
AD), insert the amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA and 
install a cockpit placard following paragraph B) of the Action 
section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 
Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated 
October 31, 2013.
    (2) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher GmbH & 
Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 
2004: Within 30 days after May 8, 2014 (the effective date of this 
AD), insert the amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA 
following paragraph C) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher 
GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for 
US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013.
    (3) For all affected gliders: An owner/operator (pilot) holding 
at least a private pilot certificate may insert the amended pages 
into the AFM and ICA of the glider required by paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD and must enter the action into the aircraft 
records showing compliance with this AD following 14 CFR 43.9 
(a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained 
as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(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 
aircraft 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.: 
2013-0123, dated June 5, 2013, for related information. The MCAI can 
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0019-0002. You may 
also refer to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical 
Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; and Alexander Schleicher GmbH & 
Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 
2004, for more information. For service information related to this 
AD, you may contact the manufacturer using the information found in 
paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

[[Page 18617]]

    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Alexander Schleicher 
GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for 
US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau service 
information identified in this AD, contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH 
& Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-Schleicher-Str. 1, D-36163 
Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89-0; fax: +49 (0) 06658 
89-40; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/; email: 
[email protected].
    (4) You may view this 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.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 19, 2014.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-06627 Filed 4-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P