[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 121 (Monday, June 26, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28758-28760]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-13127]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0343; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-005-AD; 
Amendment 39-18936; AD 2017-13-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 all DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-400, DG-500M, DG-500MB, DG-800A, and DG-800B 
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 a manufacturing defect in 
certain textile fabric covered fuel hoses, which could cause the fuel 
hose to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 31, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 31, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0343; 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 DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, Otto-Lilienthal Weg 2, D-76646 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone: +49 (0)7251 3202-0; email: [email protected]; Internet: 
http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/en/?noredirect=en_US. 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-2017-0343.

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 all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 
Models DG-400, DG-500M, DG-500MB, DG-800A, and DG-800B gliders. The 
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 21, 2017 (82 FR 
18722). 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:

    During service and annual inspection, DG found that some fuel 
hoses with textile fabric covering, installed from the beginning of 
the year 2015, had become weak or untight with time. The suspected 
root cause for this premature degradation is a manufacturing defect 
of a certain batch of fuel hoses.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, may lead to 
kinking of the fuel hoses, possibly resulting in a reduced fuel 
supply and consequent partial or total loss of available power.

[[Page 28759]]

    To address this unsafe condition, DG-Flugzeugbau published 
Technical Note TN 800-44, 500-10, DG-SS-02 providing inspection and 
replacement instructions.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
inspection and replacement of the affected fuel hoses.

The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0343-0002.

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 this 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note No. 800-44, 500-10, 
DG-SS-02, dated November 9, 2016, and co-published as one document; DG-
400 diagram 8, 6 TN DG-SS-02; DG-500M diagram 14, TN 500/10; DG-500MB 
diagram 14, TN 500/10; DG-800A/LA diagram 11, TN 800/44; DG-800B Solo 
2625 diagram 11, TN 800/44; DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11a, TN 800/44; 
DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11b, TN 800/44; and DG-800B ab W.Nr. 8-155/
from ser. no. 8-155 on, diagram 11d, TN 800/44, all diagrams issued 
October 2016. In combination, the service information describes 
procedures for inspecting and replacing the fuel hoses on different 
aircraft model variants covered by the applicability of this AD. 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 59 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with each inspection required by this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the inspection cost of this AD 
on U.S. operators to be $10,030, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that each replacement action required by 
this AD will take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $500. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the replacement cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $69,620, or $1,180 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: 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-2017-
0343; 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:

2017-13-06 DG FlugzeugbauGmbH: Amendment 39-18936; Docket No. FAA-
2017-0343; Directorate Identifier 2017-CE-005-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 31, 
2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-400, DG-500M, 
DG-500MB, DG-800A, and DG-800B gliders, all serial numbers, that:
    (1) Have textile fabric covered fuel hoses installed in the 
fuselage; and
    (2) are certificated in any category.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD:  Metal fabric covered fuel 
hoses installed in the engine area are not affected by this AD.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 28: Fuel.

(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 a manufacturing 
defect in certain textile fabric covered fuel hoses, which could 
cause the fuel hose to fail. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the fuel hose, which could cause reduced fuel supply and 
result in partial or total loss of power.

[[Page 28760]]

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 30 days after July 31, 2017 (the effective 
date of this AD), inspect all textile fabric covered fuel hoses 
located in the fuselage following Instructions 1. of DG Flugzeugbau 
GmbH Technical note (TN) No. 800-44, 500-10, DG-SS-02, dated 
November 9, 2016.

    Note 2 to paragraph (f)(1) through (6) of this AD:  DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. 800-44, DG Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. 500-10, 
and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. DG-SS-02, are all dated November 9, 
2016, and co-published as one document.

    (2) If any kinking or wet fabric covering is found during the 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within the next 
14 days after the inspection, replace all textile fabric covered 
fuel hoses located in the fuselage following Instructions 2. of DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. 800-44, 500-10, DG-SS-02, dated November 9, 
2016, and DG-400 diagram 8, 6 TN DG-SS-02; DG-500M diagram 14, TN 
500/10; DG-500MB diagram 14, TN 500/10; DG-800A/LA diagram 11, TN 
800/44; DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11, TN 800/44; DG-800B Solo 2625 
diagram 11a, TN 800/44; DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11b, TN 800/44; 
and DG-800B ab W.Nr. 8-155/from ser. no. 8-155 on, diagram 11d, TN 
800/44, as applicable, all diagrams issued October 2016.
    (3) If no kinking or wet fabric covering is found during the 
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within the next 
12 months after July 31, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), 
replace all textile fabric covered fuel hoses located in the 
fuselage following the instructions and diagrams specified in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD.
    (4) Within 12 months after doing the replacements required in 
paragraph (f)(2) or (f)(3) of this AD, as applicable, and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, 
inspect all fuel hoses in the fuselage for any signs of wear, 
fissures, kinks, lack of tight fit, or leaks. For this inspection, 
the ignition switch must be turned on to run the electric fuel pump 
to demonstrate an operating fuel pressure. Do this inspection 
following Instructions 4. of DG Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. 800-44, 500-
10, DG-SS-02, dated November 9, 2016.
    (5) If any signs of wear, fissures, kinks, lack of tight fit, or 
leaks are found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(4) 
of this AD, replace the defective fuel hose in the fuselage 
following the instructions and diagrams specified in paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD. Continue with the repetitive inspections as 
specified in paragraph (f)(4) of this AD.
    (6) If no signs of wear, fissures, kinks, lack of tight fit, or 
leaks are found during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(4) 
of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 10 years, replace the fuel 
hoses in the fuselage with new fuel hoses following the instructions 
and diagrams specified in paragraph (f)(2) 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, 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 glider 
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.: 
2016-0259, dated December 21, 2016, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0343-0002.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) DG-400 diagram 8, issued October 2016 TN DG-SS-02.
    (ii) DG-500M diagram 14, issued October 2016 TN 500/10.
    (iii) DG-500MB diagram 14, issued October 2016 TN 500/10.
    (iv) DG-800A/LA diagram 11, issued October 2016 TN 800/44.
    (v) DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11, issued October 2016 TN 800/44.
    (vi) DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11a, issued October 2016 TN 800/
44.
    (vii) DG-800B Solo 2625 diagram 11b, issued October 2016 TN 800/
44.
    (viii) DG-800B ab W.Nr. 8-155/from ser. no. 8-155 on, diagram 
11d, issued October 2016 TN 800/44.
    (ix) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical note (TN) No. 800-44, 500-10, 
DG-SS-02, dated November 9, 2016.

    Note 3 to paragraph (i)(2)(ix) of this AD: DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 
TN No. 800-44, DG Flugzeugbau GmbH TN No. 500-10, and DG Flugzeugbau 
GmbH TN No. DG-SS-02, are all dated November 9, 2016, and co-
published as one document.

    (3) For service information identified in this AD, DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, Otto-Lilienthal Weg 2, D-76646 Bruchsal, Germany; 
telephone: +49 (0)7251 3202-0; email: [email protected]; 
Internet: http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/en/?noredirect=en_US.
    (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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0343.
    (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 June 19, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-13127 Filed 6-23-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P