[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10264-10266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01769]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-9382; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-032-AD; 
Amendment 39-18790; AD 2017-02-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Gliders

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 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 cable slack in gliders equipped with a rudder hand control

[[Page 10265]]

system leading to a short-term blockage of the rudder control system 
and reduced control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES:  This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 17, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9382; 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 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. It is also available on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-
2016-9382.

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 by adding an AD that would apply to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & 
Co. Model ASK 21 gliders. The NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on November 10, 2016 (81 FR 78947). The 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:

    A temporary rudder control blockage was reported, involving an 
ASK 21 sailplane equipped with a rudder hand control system. The 
subsequent investigation revealed significant cable slack in the 
rudder control system.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
reduced rudder control, possibly resulting in reduced 
controllability of the sailplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Schleicher issued 
ASK 21 Technical Note (TN) 38 to provide instructions to amend the 
ASK 21 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), incorporating updated pre-
flight inspection instructions to check the rudder control system of 
sailplanes modified in accordance with the instructions of 
Schleicher ASK 21 TN 25 (rudder actuated by hand lever for the front 
pilot seat) or TN 30 (rudder control by hand for the rear pilot 
seat).

For reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of the 
applicable Schleicher ASK 21 AFM, revising pre-flight checks of the 
rudder hand control system. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21 Technical Note 
No. 38, dated May 31, 2016. The service information describes 
procedures for inspecting gliders equipped with a rudder hand control 
system for proper tension and adjustment if necessary. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 64 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 this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $10,880, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour for cost of $85 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 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 Docket No. FAA-2016-
9382; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday,

[[Page 10266]]

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:

2017-02-11 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.: Amendment 39-; Docket 
No. FAA-2016-9382; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-032-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 17, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21 
gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that are 
modified with a rudder hand control system using either ASK 21 
Technical Note No. 25, dated February 16, 1993, or ASK 21 Technical 
Note No. 30, dated January 22, 2007.

(d) Subject

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

(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 cable slack in 
gliders equipped with a rudder hand control system. We are issuing 
this proposed AD to correct any excess slack in the rudder hand 
control system, which could result in a short-term blockage of the 
rudder control system and reduced control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through 
(4) of this AD:
    (1) If the glider is equipped with a rudder actuated by means of 
a hand lever at the left cockpit wall in the front pilot seat by ASK 
21 Technical Note (TN) No. 25, dated February 16, 1993, within the 
next 60 days after March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), 
replace the flight manual (FM) and maintenance manual (MM) pages 
with the following pages in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016:
    (i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 19.1a., and 21.
    (ii) MM: 13, 15.
    (2) If the glider is equipped with a rudder actuated by means of 
a hand lever at the left cockpit wall in the rear pilot seat by ASK 
21 TN No. 30, dated January 22, 2007, within the next 60 days after 
March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), replace the FM and 
MM pages with the following pages in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 
2016:
    (i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 18a, 19b, 19c, 19.1a, and 21.
    (ii) MM: 13, 15.
    (3) For all affected gliders, within the next 60 days after 
March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 12 months, inspect the 
rudder cable tension and make any necessary corrections following 
the instructions from FM page 19.1a, Checking and Adjusting of the 
Cable Tension, as specified in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016.
    (4) For all affected gliders, after March 17, 2017 (the 
effective date of this AD), any glider modified with a rudder hand 
control system in accordance with ASK 21 TN No. 25 or TN No. 30 must 
also have the FM and MM amended following the instructions in ASK 21 
TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016.

(g) Pilot Authorization

    In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR 43.3 and 43.7, the 
actions required by paragraph (f)(1) through (2) of this AD may be 
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private 
pilot certificate and must be entered into the glider records 
showing compliance with this AD following 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through 
(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.

(h) 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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2016-0192, dated September 28, 2016; ASK 21 Technical Note No. 25, 
dated February 16, 1993; and ASK 21 Technical Note No. 30, dated 
January 22, 2007, for related information. The MCAI can be found in 
the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.

(j) 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) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21 Technical Note No. 
38, dated May 31, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co 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 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. In addition, you can access this service 
information on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9382.
    (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 January 19, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01769 Filed 2-9-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P