[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 10, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 46938-46940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-21226]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0952; Product Identifier 2017-CE-028-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-10-
11 for Stemme AG Model Stemme S10-VT gliders (type certificate 
previously held by Stemme GmbH & Co. KG). 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 certain propeller front transmission gear wheels having 
insufficient material strength because of improper heat treatment 
during manufacturing. We are issuing this proposed AD to require 
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products and to add 
Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 to the applicability.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 24, 
2017.

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 
STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg, Germany; 
telephone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0, fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; Internet: 
https://www.stemme.com. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust,

[[Page 46939]]

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-2017-
0952; 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, 
FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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-2017-0952; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-028-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

    We issued AD 2017-10-11, Amendment 39-18885 (82 FR 24239, May 26, 
2017) (``AD 2017-10-11'') to address an unsafe condition on all Stemme 
AG Model Stemme S10-VT gliders (type certificate previously held by 
Stemme GmbH & Co. KG) equipped with a certain front gearbox, part 
number 11AG, and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country.
    Since we issued AD 2017-10-11, we have type certificated Stemme AG 
Model Stemme S 12 gliders in the United States and have determined 
those model gliders should also be included in the applicability of AD 
2017-10-11. In addition, Stemme AG has issued new service information 
with procedures for addressing the unsafe condition.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Stemme AG has issued STEMME Service Bulletin Dok. Nr.: P062-980010, 
Issue: 01, dated June 14, 2017, and STEMME Procedural Specification 
Dok. Nr.: P320-900060, dated June 14, 2017. In combination, the service 
information describes procedures for replacing the front gearbox. 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 NPRM.

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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Service Information

    The service information for this proposed AD allows the owner/
operator to do certain maintenance tasks. Also, the service information 
specifies certain maintenance tasks be done by Stemme AG. However, for 
this proposed AD, we do not allow the owner/operator to do any 
maintenance tasks; all maintenance tasks must be done by an 
appropriately certified mechanic or maintenance shop. In addition, we 
do not require any maintenance tasks be done specifically by Stemme AG; 
any appropriately certified mechanic or maintenance shop may do the 
tasks required by this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    According to the U.S. registry, we have a total of 51 of both 
glider types registered, but there are still only 14 serial numbers of 
the part number 11AG front gearbox. Therefore, the most gliders that 
could be affected remains 14. According to Stemme AG, there are a total 
of 4 of the affected front gearboxes on both glider types of U.S. 
registry (2 for each model).
    It will take an estimated 19 work-hours per product to comply with 
the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is 
$85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $2,000 per product.
    Based on these figures, if we consider the costs for all 14 
affected gearboxes, then we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $50,610, or $3,615 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, and 
domestic business jet transport airplanes to the Director of the Policy 
and Innovation Division.

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:

[[Page 46940]]

    (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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-18885 (82 FR 
24239, May 26, 2017), and adding the following new AD:

Stemme AG: Docket No. FAA-2017-0952; Product Identifier 2017-CE-028-
AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 24, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-10-11, Amendment 39-18885 (82 FR 24239, 
May 26, 2017) (``AD 2017-10-11'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Stemme AG Model Stemme S10-VT gliders (type 
certificate previously held by Stemme GmbH & Co. KG), all serial 
numbers, and Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders, all serial 
numbers, that are:
    (1) Equipped with a front gearbox, part number (P/N) 11AG, with 
a serial number listed in table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD; and
    (2) are certificated in any category.
    Table 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD--Affected P/N 11AG (front 
gearbox) S/Ns

80058/0814, 80059/0915, 80060/0915, 80061/1115, 80062/1215, 80063/
0116, 80064/0416, 80065/0616, 80066/0716, 80067/0916, 80068/1016, 
80069/0117, 80070/0217, 80071/0217.

    Note 1 to paragraph (c) of this AD: Page 2 of Stemme AG Service 
Bulletin No. P062-980010, dated April 21, 2017, provides a pictorial 
of where the serial number of the affected gearboxes are located.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 61: Propellers/
Propulsors.

(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 certain 
propeller front transmission gear wheels having insufficient 
material strength because of improper heat treatment during 
manufacturing. We are issuing this proposed AD to add Stemme AG 
Model Stemme S 12 to the applicability, paragraph (c), of this AD, 
and to prevent failure of the propeller front transmission gear 
wheels. This failure could cause loss of power between the engine 
and the propeller, which could result in reduced control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) For Model Stemme S10-VT gliders: Before further flight after 
June 15, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-10-11), replace the 
front gearbox following STEMME Procedural Specification Dok. Nr.: 
P320-900060, dated June 14, 2017, as specified in STEMME Service 
Bulletin Dok. Nr.: P062-980010, Issue: 01, dated June 14, 2017.
    (2) For Model Stemme S 12 gliders: Before further flight after 
the effective date of this AD, replace the front gearbox following 
STEMME Procedural Specification Dok. Nr.: P320-900060, dated June 
14, 2017, as specified in STEMME Service Bulletin Dok. Nr.: P062-
980010, Issue: 01, dated June 14, 2017.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a front 
gear box listed in table 1 of paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (4) The service information for this AD allows the owner/
operator to do certain maintenance tasks. Also, the service 
information specifies certain maintenance tasks be done by Stemme 
AG. However, for this AD, we do not allow the owner/operator to do 
any maintenance tasks; all maintenance tasks must be done by an 
appropriately certifiedmechanic or maintenance shop. In addition, we 
do not require any maintenance tasks be done specifically by Stemme 
AG; any appropriately certified mechanic or maintenance shop may do 
the tasks required by this AD.

 (g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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 Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-
4090; email: [email protected].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved for AD 2017-10-11, Amendment 39-18885 (82 FR 
24239, May 26, 2017) are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding 
provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA).

(h) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2017-0072-E, dated April 26, 2017, and Stemme AG Service Bulletin 
No. P062-980010, dated April 21, 2017, for related information. You 
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0952. For service 
information related to this AD, contact STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse 
F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 3341 
3612-0, fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; Internet: https://www.stemme.com. 
You may review copies of the referenced service information at the 
FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 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 September 26, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-21226 Filed 10-6-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P