[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 23 (Thursday, February 4, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5944-5946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01962]



[[Page 5944]]

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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]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

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 DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders equipped with a Solo 
Kleinmotoren Model 2350 C engine that would revise AD 2015-09-04. 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 engine shaft failure and 
consequent propeller detachment. 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 March 21, 2016.

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 
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 and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, Otto Lilienthal Weg 2/Am Flugplatz, 76646 Bruchsal, 
Germany; telephone: +49 7251 3020-0; fax: +49 7251 3020-200; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/ 
index.php?id=1329. You may view 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.

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 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, 
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-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 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 April 22, 2015, we issued AD 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 
FR 25591, May 5, 2015). 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 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 FR 25591, May 
5, 2015), new service information has been issued that includes 
procedures for replacement of excenter axle-pulley assembly and 
installation of an elastomeric damper element between the propeller and 
upper pulley. This optional modification will allow resuming engine 
operation.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2015-0052R1, dated November 19, 2015 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct the above-referenced 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, possibly 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. That AD was later 
revised to introduce an optional modification, through Solo 
Kleinmotoren Service Bulletin (SB) 4603-14, to install a modified 
excenter axle-pulley assembly, allowing to resume operation of the 
engine.
    Since EASA AD 2013-0217R1 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 SB 4603-14.
    Consequently, EASA issued Emergency AD 2015-0052-E, which 
superseded AD 2013-0217R1, to prohibit operation of all Solo 2350 C 
engines, including those engines which had been modified in 
accordance with Solo Kleinmotoren SB 4603-14. That AD also required 
a one-time inspection of the propeller shaft to detect cracks and 
the reporting of findings.
    Since that AD was issued, Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH developed 
modification drawing nb. 2031211-V2 available for in service 
application through Solo SB 4603-17 and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 
developed modifications drawing nb. 10 M 067, available for in 
service application through DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note (TN) 1000/
26 which include replacement of excenter axle-pulley assembly and 
installation of an elastomeric damper element between the propeller 
and upper pulley.
    This AD is revised to introduce optional modifications to allow 
resuming operation of an engine.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1130.

[[Page 5945]]

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR 51

    We reviewed Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion 
(English translation: Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe 
(English translation: Dated) March 26, 2015; Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH 
Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-
17, Ausgabe (English translation: Dated) July 15, 2015; and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 2015, 
with 10M072 titled Propellermontage nach TM 1000-26 (English 
translation: Propeller assembly TN 1000-26), dated July 14, 2015. Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH Anleitung zur Inspektion (English translation: 
Inspection Instruction), Nr. 4603-1, Ausgabe (English translation: 
Dated) March 26, 2015, describes procedures for inspecting the 
propeller shaft for cracking and reporting the results to the 
manufacturer. Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Techniseche Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-17, Ausgabe (English 
translation: Dated) July 15, 2015, describes procedures for replacement 
of the excenter axle-pulley assembly. DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical 
note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 2015, describes procedures for 
removing the excenter axle-pulley assembly and sending it to Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH for modification with a new rear bearing, axle, and 
elastomeric damper element. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section.

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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 2 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about .5 work-hour per 
product to comply with the basic operational limitation requirement of 
this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this portion of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $85, or $42.50 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 1.5 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic axle inspection (remove, inspect, and 
reinstall) requirement of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this portion of 
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $255, or $127.50 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the optional axle with drive belt pulley unit 
replacement and engine test run of this proposed AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $100 per 
product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this optional 
proposed AD action on U.S. operators to be $540, or $270 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about .5 work-hour per product 
to comply with the removal of the operational limitation requirement 
after doing the optional replacement of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD 
action on U.S. operators to be $85, or $42.50 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 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.

[[Page 5946]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-18150 (80 FR 
25591, May 5, 2015), and adding the following new AD:

DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2015-1130; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-CE-008-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 21, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2015-09-04, Amendment 39-18150 (80 FR 25591, 
May 5, 2015) (``AD 2015-09-04'').

(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, which 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, Amendment 39-17646 (78 FR 65869, November 4, 2013)), do 
not operate the engine unless the engine is modified following 
instructions that are FAA-approved specifically for this AD.
    (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 retained from AD 
2015-09-04), 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 retained from AD 2015-09-04), 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 retained from AD 2015-09-04), 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 (h) 
of this AD.
    (6) At any time after the effective date of this AD, you may 
modify the engine following Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Techniseche 
Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4603-17, 
Ausgabe (English translation: Dated) July 15, 2015; and DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 1000/26, dated September 23, 
2015, with 10M072 titled Propellermontage nach TM 1000-26 (English 
translation: Propeller assembly TN 1000-26), dated July 14, 2015. 
This modification allows engine operation.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f)(6) 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 
and the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH as it appears on the document.

    (7) Before further flight after doing the modification allowed 
in (f)(6) of this AD, remove the AD placed into the Limitations 
section of the AFM as required in paragraph (f)(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: (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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
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 OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are 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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2015-0052R1, dated November 19, 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. For service 
information related to 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 and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, 
Otto Lilienthal Weg 2/Am Flugplatz, 76646 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone: +49 7251 3020-0; fax: +49 7251 3020-200; email: 
[email protected]; Internet: http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/index.php?id=1329. You may view 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 28, 2016.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-01962 Filed 2-3-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P