[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3030-3032]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00968]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0842; Project Identifier 2019-CE-032-AD; Amendment
39-21871; AD 2021-26-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders. 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 the incorrect installation of an axle connecting the main
landing gear (MLG) to the center steel frame. This AD requires
inspecting the MLG installation and repairing if necessary. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective February 24, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 24,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg,
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; email:
[email protected]; website: https://www.stemme.com. You may view
this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817)
222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0842.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0842; 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
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The
[[Page 3031]]
address for Docket Operations is 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, Aviation Safety
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106;
phone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain serial-numbered
Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on October 8, 2021 (86 FR 56225). The NPRM was prompted by
MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union. EASA issued AD 2019-0130-E, dated June 7, 2019 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on Stemme
AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders. The MCAI states:
Following a production acceptance flight, the pilot noticed that
the aeroplane was in a banked position on the ground. Further
examination determined that an axle, connecting the main landing
gear (MLG) leg to the centre steel frame of the aeroplane, had been
installed incorrectly. Other S12 aeroplanes may also be affected by
this installation error.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
damage to the aeroplane, possibly resulting in injury to occupants.
To address this unsafe condition, Stemme issued the SB [service
bulletin] to provide inspection instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the MLG installation and, depending on findings,
the accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0842.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined
that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the
FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Stemme Service Bulletin No. P062-980037, Revision
00, dated June 5, 2019 (SB P062-980037). The service information
specifies inspecting and repairing, if necessary, the MLG leg
connection to the center steel frame. 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
ADDRESSES.
Differences Between This AD and the Service Information
SB P062-980037 allows the pilot/owner to perform the initial
inspection for correct installation, and this AD does not. SB P062-
980037 specifies contacting Stemme AG for certain repair instructions,
while this AD requires repair using a method approved by the FAA or
EASA.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 11 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates that it would take 0.5 work hour per glider to
inspect the MLG installation. The average labor rate is $85 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost to inspect the
MLG installation on U.S. operators to be $467.50 or $42.50 per glider.
In addition, the FAA estimates that further inspection for damage
of an improperly installed MLG would take about 4 work-hours costing
$340 per glider. If any damage is found during this MLG inspection, it
may vary considerably from glider to glider, and the FAA has no way of
estimating a repair cost.
The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected operators.
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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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.
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.
[[Page 3032]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-26-12 Stemme AG: Amendment 39-21871; Docket No. FAA-2021-0842;
Project Identifier 2019-CE-032-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 24,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Stemme AG Model Stemme S 12 gliders, serial
numbers 12-002 through 12-026, inclusive, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 3200, Landing Gear
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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 incorrect
installation of an axle connecting the main landing gear (MLG) to
the center steel frame of the glider. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the MLG. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in damage to the glider and possible injury to
occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) Before further flight after the effective date of this AD,
visually inspect the MLG left-hand and right-hand legs for proper
installation as depicted in Figure 3 of Stemme Service Bulletin No.
P062-980037, Revision 00, dated June 5, 2019 (SB P062-980037).
(2) If the MLG installation is not as depicted in Figure 3 of SB
P062-980037, before further flight, inspect the MLG installation for
damage in accordance with the Actions section, Action 2, in SB P062-
980037, except you are not required to contact Stemme if there is
damage. Instead, repair any damage using a method approved by the
FAA or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD
and email to: [email protected].
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford,
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email:
[email protected].
(2) Refer to EASA AD 2019-0130-E, dated June 7, 2019, for more
information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2021-0842.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Stemme Service Bulletin No. P062-980037, Revision 00, dated
June 5, 2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information has Feb-
29 and July 14, 2017, in the footer of the document. Feb-29 refers
to the form number and July 14, 2017, is the revision date of the
form used to write the service information. For enforceability
purposes, the FAA will cite the Stemme AG service information using
the release date of June 5, 2019, that is located in the footer on
the bottom of page 1 and used in EASA AD 2019-0130-E, dated June 7,
2019.
Note 2 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information contains
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in
referencing the document from Stemme AG. For enforceability
purposes, the FAA will cite the Stemme AG service information in
English as it appears on the document.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
STEMME AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg,
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30;
email: [email protected]; website: https://www.stemme.com.
(4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(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, email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on December 9, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00968 Filed 1-19-22; 8:45 am]
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