[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 150 (Monday, August 5, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37974-37976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16570]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0560; Product Identifier 2018-CE-056-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel Gliders

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21-
04 for Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 ``Libelle,'' H 301B 
``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard ``Libelle,'' and Standard 
Libelle-201B gliders. 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 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 proposed AD to require actions to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 19, 
2019.

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 
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 review copies of the referenced 
service

[[Page 37975]]

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.

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-2019-
0560; 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 proposed 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 Divsion, 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-2019-0560; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-056-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 a Final rule; request for comment to add AD 2018-21-04, 
Amendment 39-19462 (83 FR 53573, October 24, 2018) (``AD 2018-21-04'') 
to address an unsafe condition on Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 
301 ``Libelle,'' H 301B ``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard 
``Libelle,'' and Standard Libelle-201B gliders. AD 2018-21-04 requires 
inspecting the distance between the deflector-angles of the C.G. 
release mechanism and revising the operations section of the sailplane 
flight manual (SFM) before the next winch launch.
    AD 2018-21-04 was based on MCAI originated by an aviation authority 
of another country. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which 
is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, 
has issued Emergency AD No. 2018-0143-E (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).

    We issued AD 2018-21-04 as an interim action to address the 
immediate need for the initial inspection of the distance between the 
deflector-angles of the C.G. release mechanism, any necessary 
corrective action, and the revision of the flying operations section of 
the SFM. We are proposing this superseding AD to address the long-term 
need to repeat the inspection of the C.G. release mechanism for the 
distance between the deflector-angles at intervals not to exceed 12 
months. Because this proposed requirement is for a longer interval, we 
are providing the public an opportunity to comment. You may examine the 
MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0560.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-
2018, dated June 25, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in AD 
2018-21-04. 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 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed 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 and revision of the 
flying operations section of the sailplane flight manual of this 
proposed 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, per inspection cycle.
    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.
    This proposed AD retains the actions of AD 2018-21-04. The 
estimated costs of initial inspection, any necessary modification, and 
revision of the flying operations section of the SFM remain the same as 
AD 2018-21-04 and do not impose an additional burden beyond the cost of 
repeating the inspection every 12 months.

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

[[Page 37976]]

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 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:
    (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 Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2018-21-04, Amendment 39-19462 (83 FR 53573; October 24, 2018), and 
adding the following new AD:

Glasflugel: Docket No. FAA-2019-0560; Product Identifier 2018-CE-
056-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by September 19, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2018-21-04, Amendment 39-19462 (83 FR 53573, 
October 24, 2018) (``AD 2018-21-04'').

(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 proposed 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) through (3) of this AD.
    (1) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the 
effective date of AD 2018-21-04) and thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 12 months, 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 any inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before the next winch 
launch, 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.
    (3) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the 
effective date of AD 2018-21-04), 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) 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, Policy and Innovation Divsion, 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.

(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-2019-0560. For service information related to 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 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 July 19, 2019.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2019-16570 Filed 8-2-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P