[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 25591-25594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09928]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1130; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-18150; AD 2015-09-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders equipped with a Solo 
Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine that supersedes AD 2013-22-14 R1. This 
AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and 
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes 
the unsafe condition as engine shaft failure with consequent propeller 
detachment. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 26, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 26, 2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 19, 2015.

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 AD, contact Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7031 301-0; fax: +49 7031 301-136; email: germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com/com. 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1130.

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-2015-
1130 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 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, 
901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 
329-4165; fax: 98160 329-4090; email: [email protected].

[[Page 25592]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    On September 5, 2014, we issued AD 2013-22-14 R1, Amendment 39-
17968 (79 FR 54895; September 15, 2014). That AD required actions 
intended to address an unsafe condition on DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model 
DG-1000T gliders equipped with a Solo Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine 
and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
originated by an aviation authority of another country.
    Since we issued AD 2013-22-14 R1, another occurrence of engine 
shaft failure and propeller detachment was reported on a Solo 
Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine that had been modified following Solo 
Kleinmotoren Service Bulletin 4603-14, dated April 28, 2014.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2015-0052-E, dated March 27, 2015 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    An occurrence of engine shaft failure and consequent propeller 
detachment was reported on a Solo 2350 C engine.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to additional cases 
of release of the propeller from the engine, possible resulting in 
damage to the sailplane, or injury to persons on the ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, EASA issued Emergency AD 2013-
0217-E to prohibit operation of the engine.
    After that AD was issued, Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH developed 
instructions to install a modified excenter axle-pulley assembly, 
allowing to resume operation of the engine. This optional 
modification was introduced through EASA AD 2013-0217R1.
    Since that AD was issued, another occurrence of engine shaft 
failure and propeller detachment was reported on a Solo 2350 C 
engine which had been modified in accordance with Solo Kleinmotoren 
Service Bulletin (SB) 4603-14.
    For reasons described above, this AD supersedes EASA AD 2013-
0217R1 and, pending the availability of EASA approved modification 
instructions, prohibits operation of all Solo 2350 C engines, 
including those engines which have been modified in accordance with 
Solo Kleinmotoren SB 4603-14. This AD also requires a one-time 
inspection of the propeller shaft to detect cracks and the reporting 
of findings.
    This AD is considered to be temporary measure and further AD 
action will follow.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-116.

Relative Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion 
(English translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe 
(English translation: dated) March 26, 2015. The service information 
describes procedures for inspecting the propeller shaft for cracking 
and reporting the results to the manufacturer. This information is 
reasonably available at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1130 or see ADDRESSES for other ways to 
access this service information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
failure of the engine shaft with consequent propeller detachment could 
result in damage to the glider or injury to persons on the ground. 
Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment 
before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-1130; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 2 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $340, or $170 per product.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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

[[Page 25593]]

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 that 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.

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 removing Amendment 39-17968 (79 FR 
54895; September 5, 2014), and adding the following new AD:

2015-09-04 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-18150; Docket No. FAA-
2015-1130; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 26, 
2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2013-22-14 R1; Amendment 39-17968 (79 FR 
54895; September 5, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders, 
all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with a Solo Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 72: Engine.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another 
country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation 
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as engine shaft 
failure with consequent propeller detachment. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent failure of the engine shaft with consequent propeller 
detachment that could result in damage to the glider or injury of 
persons on the ground.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) As of November 25, 2013 (the effective date retained from AD 
2013-22-14), do not operate the engine unless the engine is modified 
following instructions that are FAA-approved specifically for this 
AD. Contact the FAA office identified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD 
to get more information about obtaining such instructions.
    (2) Modification of an engine following the instructions in Solo 
Kleinmotoren Service Bulletin 4603-14, dated April 28, 2014, is not 
an acceptable modification to comply with paragraph (f)(1) of this 
AD.
    (3) As of May 26, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), place a 
copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the aircraft flight 
manual (AFM).
    (4) Within the next 30 days after May 26, 2015 (the effective 
date of this AD), do a one-time inspection (magnetic particle or dye 
penetrant) of the propeller shaft following Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH 
Anleitung zur Inspektion (English translation: Inspection 
Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English translation: dated) March 
26, 2015.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(4) of this AD:  This service information 
contains German to English translation. The EASA used the English 
translation in referencing the document. For enforceability 
purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service information 
as it appears on the document.

    (5) Within the next 30 days after May 26, 2015 (the effective 
date of this AD), report the results of the inspection required in 
paragraph (f)(4) of this AD to Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH. Include the 
serial number of the engine and the operational time since change of 
the axle in your report. You may find contact information for Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.

(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, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; 
fax: 98160 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.
    (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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI found in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
No.: 2015-0052-E, dated March 27, 2015, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1130.

(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.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion (English 
translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English 
translation: dated) March 26, 2015.

    Note 2 to paragraph (i)(2)(i) of this AD:  This service 
information contains German to English translation. The EASA used 
the English translation in referencing the document. For 
enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren 
service information as it appears on the document.

    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7031 301-0; fax: +49 7031 301-136; email: 
germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com/com.
    (4) 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov

[[Page 25594]]

by searching for locating Docket No. FAA-2015-1130.
    (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 April 22, 2015.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09928 Filed 5-4-15; 8:45 am]
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