[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3032-3035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-00973]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01460-G;
Amendment 39-21884; AD 2021-26-25]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus and Duo Discus
T gliders. 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 jerky extension of
the air brakes at very high air speeds, including cases where the air
brake blades interlock. This AD requires replacing certain air brake
end stop bushings, inspecting certain other air brake end stops, 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 certain publications listed in this AD as of February 24,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230
Kirchheim/Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-
199; email: hirth.com">info@schempp-hirth.com; website: https://www.schempp-
hirth.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-2021-0878.
[[Page 3033]]
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0878; 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 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:
Discussion
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
(S/N) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus and Duo Discus T
gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 21, 2021
(86 FR 58228). 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 2020-0233,
dated October 27, 2020 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to
address the unsafe condition on certain S/N Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau
GmbH Model Duo Discus, Duo Discus C, and Duo Discus T gliders. The MCAI
states:
Occurrences were reported of experiencing jerky extension of the
airbrakes at very high air speeds, in some cases of which the
airbrake blades interlocked. An increasing number of age-related
damage was observed on a specific version (22 mm plastic bushes) of
the airbrake end-stops.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to blockage of the
airbrakes, possibly resulting in reduced control of the (powered)
sailplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Schempp-Hirth issued
the applicable [technical note] TN (original issue) to provide
instructions to replace the affected parts with a new version
bushing, made of better material.
Since [EASA planned AD] PAD 20-119 was issued, it was discovered
that early s/n sailplanes were equipped with a single metal end stop
per airbrake. The applicable TN was revised accordingly. The PAD was
revised to include those metal end stops in the definition of
`affected part' to ensure these are inspected.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
replacement of certain affected parts with serviceable parts. For
other affected parts, this [EASA] AD requires a one-time inspection
for sufficient overlap and, depending on findings, accomplishment of
applicable corrective action(s). This [EASA] AD also prohibits
(re)installation of affected parts.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0878.
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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working
Instructions for Technical Note 890-16 rev1 and Technical Note 396-20
rev1 action 1, dated September 18, 2020. The service information
contains procedures for replacing each air brake end stop plastic
bushing (22 mm) with an air brake end stop plastic bushing (32 mm). The
FAA also reviewed Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions
for Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 2, dated September 18, 2020. The
service information contains procedures for inspecting each single air
brake metal end stop for overlap. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus
C gliders, and this AD does not because this model does not have an FAA
type certificate.
The MCAI allows credit for modifications done prior to the
effective date of the EASA AD in accordance with the original issue of
Schempp-Hirth TN 396-20/TN 890-16, but this AD does not provide such
credit.
The MCAI prohibits installation of air brake end stop plastic
bushings (22 mm) after a glider has been modified with an air brake end
stop plastic bushing (32 mm). This AD prohibits installation of air
brake end stop plastic bushings (22 mm) as of the effective date of
this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 27 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost glider operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace plastic end stop bushings. 4 work-hours x $85 $150 $490 Up to $13,230
per hour = $340. (depending on number
of gliders with
plastic end stop
bushings)
Inspect metal end stops........... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 Up to $2,295
hour = $85. (depending on number
of gliders with
metal end stops)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary repairs
that would be required based on the results of the inspection. The FAA
has no way of determining the number of gliders that might need these
repairs:
[[Page 3034]]
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost glider
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repair metal end stops........................ 4 work-hours x $85 per hour = $150 $490
$340.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2021-26-25 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-21884;
Docket No. FAA-2021-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01460-G.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 24,
2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH gliders
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in
any category.
(1) Model Duo Discus gliders, serial number (S/N) 1 through 541
inclusive, except S/N 534.
(2) Model Duo Discus T gliders, S/N 1 through 174 inclusive.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2760, Drag Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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 jerky extension
of the air brakes at very high air speeds, including cases where the
air brake blades interlock. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
and correct damage of the airbrake end-stops. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in blockage of the air brakes and
reduced control of the glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
(1) For gliders with air brake end stop plastic bushings (22 mm)
installed: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace each air brake end stop plastic bushing (22 mm) with an air
brake end stop plastic bushing (32 mm) in accordance with Schempp-
Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note 890-
16 rev1 and Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 1, dated September 18,
2020.
(2) For gliders with single air brake metal end stops installed:
Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect each
single air brake metal end stop for overlap in accordance with
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical
Note 396-20 rev1 action 2, dated September 18, 2020. If there is
insufficient overlap, before further flight, repair using a method
approved by the FAA or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA).
(h) Parts Installation Provision
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an air brake
end stop plastic bushing (22 mm) on any glider.
(i) 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 International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(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.
(j) 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 2020-0233, dated October 27, 2020, 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-
2021-0878.
(k) 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) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for
Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 2, dated September 18, 2020.
Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): The service information listed in
paragraphs (k)(2)(i) of
[[Page 3035]]
this AD contains German to English translation. EASA used the
English translation in referencing the document from Schempp-Hirth
Flugzeugbau GmbH. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the
service information in English as it appears on the document
(ii) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for
Technical Note 890-16 rev1 and Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 1,
dated September 18, 2020.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230 Kirchheim/
Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-199;
email: hirth.com">info@schempp-hirth.com; website: https://www.schempp-
hirth.com.
(4) 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.
(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 16, 2021.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-00973 Filed 1-19-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P