[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 181 (Thursday, September 17, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57965-57967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-20439]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2019-0560; Product Identifier 2018-CE-056-AD; Amendment 
39-21255; AD No. 2020-19-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding 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 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. The FAA is 
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 22, 2020.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of November 13, 
2018 (83 FR 53573, October 24, 2018).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hansjorg Streifeneder, Hofener 
Weg 61, 72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; telephone: +49 (0)7382/1032; fax: 
+49 (0)7382/1629; email: [email protected]; internet: https://www.streifly.de/kontakt-e.htm. You may review this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational 
Safety Branch, 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 https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0560.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://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 final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations is Docket 
Operations, 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation 
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 
(816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by removing AD 2018-21-04, Amendment 39-19462 (83 FR 53573, 
October 24, 2018) (``AD 2018-21-04'') and adding a new AD. AD 2018-21-
04 applied to Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 ``Libelle,'' H 
301B ``Libelle,'' Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard ``Libelle,'' and Standard 
Libelle-201B gliders and required 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. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on August 5, 
2019 (84 FR 37974).
    AD 2018-21-04 was based on MCAI originated by the European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Community. EASA issued Emergency 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 https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0560.
    The FAA 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. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to supersede AD 2018-21-04 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.

Comments

    The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in 
developing this final rule. No comments were received on the NPRM or on 
the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety 
and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA 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 provides instructions 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.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 177 products of U.S. 
registry. The FAA also estimates 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 
AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $15,045, or $85 per product, per inspection cycle.
    The FAA estimates that any modification of the deflector-angles 
that may be necessary as a result of the inspection would take about 4 
work-

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hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of $440 per product. 
The FAA has no way of determining the number of products that may need 
these actions.
    This AD retains the actions of AD 2018-21-04. The estimated costs 
of the 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.
    The FAA is 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

    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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-21-04, Amendment 39-19462 
(83 FR 53573, October 24, 2018); and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:

2020-19-12 Glasflugel: Amendment 39-21255; Docket No. FAA-2019-0560; 
Product Identifier 2018-CE-056-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 22, 2020.

(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 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. The FAA is 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 then within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD or 12 months after the initial inspection, 
whichever occurs later, 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

    The Manager, International Validation 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 Jim 
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft, 
International Validation 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 
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 2018-0143-E, dated July 6, 2018 for 
related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at 
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2019-0560.

(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.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
November 13, 2018 (83 FR 53573, October 24, 2018).
    (i) Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, 
dated June 25, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) 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: https://www.streifly.de/kontakt-e.htm.
    (5) You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 
https://www.regulations.gov by

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searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0560.
    (6) 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, email [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on September 10, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-20439 Filed 9-16-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P