[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 206 (Wednesday, October 24, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53573-53575]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-23107]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0891; Product Identifier 2018-CE-038-AD; Amendment 
39-19462; AD 2018-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glasgflugel Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 ``Libelle,'' H 301B 
``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard ``Libelle,'' and Standard 
Libelle-201B gliders. This AD results from 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 jamming 
between the double two-ring end of the towing cable and the deflector 
angles of the center of gravity (C.G.) release mechanism. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective November 13, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 13, 
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by December 10, 2018.

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 AD, contact Glasfaser 
Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hansjorg Streifeneder, Hofener Weg 61, 72582 
Grabenstetten, Germany; phone: +49 (0)7382/1032; fax: +49 (0)7382/1629; 
email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.streifly.de/kontakt-e.htm. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Policy and Innovation, 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 locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0891.

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-2018-
0891; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No. 2018-0143-E, dated July 6, 2018 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Jamming between the double two ring end of the towing cable and 
the deflector angles of the C.G. release mechanism was reported. 
Subsequent investigation identified incorrect geometry of the 
deflector angles of the affected part as likely cause of the 
jamming.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure to disconnect the towing cable, possibly resulting in 
reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Glasfaser Flugzeug-
Service GmbH issued the TN [Technical Note] to provide inspection 
instructions and corrective action.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the affected part, and, depending on 
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This 
[EASA] AD also requires amendment of the sailplane Aircraft Flight 
Manual (AFM).

You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0891.

Record of Ex Parte Communication

    In preparation of AD actions, such as notices of proposed 
rulemaking and immediately adopted final rules, the FAA obtains 
technical data and information on the operational and economic impact 
from design approval holders and aircraft operators. We discussed 
certain aspects of this AD by email with Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service 
GmbH. You may find a copy of each email contact in the rulemaking 
docket. For information on locating the docket, see ``Examining the AD 
Docket.''

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-
2018, dated June 25, 2018. The service information describes procedures 
for measuring the distance between the deflector-angles at the C.G. 
release and modifying the deflector-angles 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.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and 
determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

[[Page 53574]]

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
injury could occur to people on the ground if the towing cable breaks 
during a wench launch. As such, operators must take corrective action 
before the next launch of the glider. Therefore, we determined that 
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are 
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0891; Product 
Identifier 2018-CE-038-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of 
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 177 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the inspection requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $15,045, or $85 per product.
    We estimate that any modification of the deflector-angles that may 
be necessary as a result of the inspection would take about 4 work-
hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of $440 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 that 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.

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 
airworthiness directive (AD):

2018-21-04 Glasflugel: Amendment 39-19462; Docket No. FAA-2018-0891; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-038-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective November 13, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 
``Libelle,'' H 301B ``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard 
``Libelle,'' and Standard Libelle-201B gliders, certificated in any 
category, with a center of gravity (C.G.) tow release installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 25: Equipment/
Furnishing.

(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 jamming between 
the double two-ring end of the towing cable and the deflector angles 
of the C.G. release mechanism. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the towing cable to disconnect, which could result in 
reduced or loss of control of the glider or the cable breaking and 
causing injury to people on the ground.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) and (3) of this AD.
    (1) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD), inspect the distance between the 
deflector-angles by following paragraph 1 in the Actions section of 
Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, dated 
June 25, 2018.
    (2) If the distance is less than 36 mm during the inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before the next winch 
launch after November 13, 2018 (the effective date of this AD), do 
the corrective action in paragraph 2 in the Actions section of 
Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, dated 
June 25, 2018.

[[Page 53575]]

    (3) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the 
effective date of this AD), revise the flying operations section of 
the sailplane flight manual by inserting the text in paragraph 
(f)(3)(i) of this AD into the winch tow section.
    (i) Winch launching is permissible only with a connecting ring 
pair that conforms to aeronautical standard LN 65091.
    (ii) This action may be done by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD by 
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.

(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, Policy and Innovation Division, 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 
instead be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA).

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA AD No. 2018-0143-E, dated July 6, 2018, for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2018-0891.

(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, 
dated June 25, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hansjorg Streifeneder, Hofener Weg 
61, 72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; phone: +49 (0)7382/1032; fax: +49 
(0)7382/1629; email: [email protected]; internet: http://www.streifly.de/kontakt-e.htm.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Policy and 
Innovation, 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 locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0891.
    (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 October 12, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-23107 Filed 10-23-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P