[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 13, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6123-6125]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02601]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1068; Product Identifier 2017-CE-034-AD; Amendment 
39-19190; AD 2018-03-17]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aeroclubul Romaniei 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 
Aeroclubul Romaniei Model IS-28B2 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 cracks at stringers in the rear fuselage of several Model 
IS-28B2 gliders. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address 
the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 20, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 20, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1068; or in person at 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 Aeroclubul 
Romaniei, Bd.Lascar Catargiu, Nr.54, cod: 010673, Sector 1, Bucharest, 
Romania; telephone: 011+40 021-312-36-19; fax: 011+40 021-312-36-19; 
internet: www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro; email: www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro/
contact/. You may view this 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. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-2017-1068.

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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Aeroclubul Romaniei Model 
IS-28B2 gliders. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
November 14, 2017 (82 FR 52676). 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:

    Cracks were reportedly detected, located at stringers in the 
rear fuselage of a number of IS-28B2 sailplanes. The subsequent 
investigation attributed these cracks to induction of a pre-stress 
during the manufacturing process of the affected parts.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
reduced structural strength, possibly resulting in a loss of 
structural integrity of the sailplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Aeroclubul 
Romaniei (AR) issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB-IS-28B2-AR-01 to 
provide inspection instructions. AR is currently developing 
modification(s) to provide a design solution for the affected 
sailplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the structure of the rear fuselage and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further 
AD action may follow.

    The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-1068-0002.

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 Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-
AR-01, Revision 003, dated February 9, 2017 (ARSB No. AR-01), and 
Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, Revision 
01, dated February 24, 2017 (ARSB No. AR-02). ARSB No. AR-01 describes 
procedures for inspection of the rear fuselage area to detect any 
cracks, ruptures, or corrosion. ARSB No. AR-02 describes procedures for 
installation of a modification to the upper stringer of the rear 
fuselage. 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 the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 30 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with

[[Page 6124]]

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 $5,100, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 15 work-hours and require parts costing $1,000, for a cost 
of $2,275 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.
    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, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

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-
1068; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (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:

2018-03-17 Aeroclubul Romaniei: Amendment 39-19190; Docket No. FAA-
2017-1068; Product Identifier 2017-CE-034-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 20, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Aeroclubul Romaniei Model IS-28B2 gliders, 
all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.

(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 cracks at 
stringers in the rear fuselage of several Model IS-28B2 gliders. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, which could lead 
to reduced structural strength resulting in loss of structural 
integrity and loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) through (3):
    (1) Within 90 days after March 20, 2018 (the effective date of 
this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 
hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the rear fuselage structure 
following the instructions in Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin 
(SB) No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 003, dated February 9, 2017.
    (2) If any crack or corrosion is detected during any inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
modify the rear fuselage structure following the instructions in 
Aeroclubul Romaniei SB No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, Revision 01, dated 
February 24, 2017.
    (3) Completion of the modification to the rear fuselage 
structure as required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD terminates the 
repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

(g) Reporting Requirement

    Although Aeroclubul Romaniei SB No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 
003, dated February 9, 2017, specifies to submit certain information 
to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(h) 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]. 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) 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).

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI AD No.: 2016-0233, dated November 23, 2016. The 
MCAI can be found in the AD docket on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-1068-0002.

[[Page 6125]]

(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) Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, 
Revision 003, dated February 9, 2017.
    (ii) Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, 
Revision 01, dated February 24, 2017.
    (3) For Aeroclubul Romaniei service information identified in 
this AD, contact: Aeroclubul Romaniei, Bd.Lascar Catargiu, Nr.54, 
cod: 010673, Sector 1, Bucharest, Romania; telephone: 011+40 021-
312-36-19; fax: 011+40 021-312-36-19; internet: 
www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro; email: www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro/
contact/.
    (4) You may view this 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. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1068.
    (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 February 5, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02601 Filed 2-12-18; 8:45 am]
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