[Federal Register: May 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 99)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29218-29220]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21my04-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-64-AD; Amendment 39-13638; AD 2004-10-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau Model ASH 25M Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher)
Model ASH 25M sailplanes equipped with fuel injected engine IAE50R-AA.
This AD requires you to inspect the fuel line for correct fittings,
and, if any incorrect fitting is found, replace the fuel line. This AD
is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this
AD to
[[Page 29219]]
detect and correct any fuel lines with improper fittings, which could
result in fuel leakage and a possible fire hazard.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on July 6, 2004.
As of July 6, 2004, the Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the
regulation.
ADDRESSES: You may get the service information identified in this AD
from Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, D-36163
Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 011-49 6658 89-0;
facsimile: 011-49 6658 89-40.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-64-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Office hours are 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA),
which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA
that an unsafe condition may exist on Alexander Schleicher sailplanes.
The LBA reports that an incorrect fitting at one end of a fuel line was
installed during production of the Model ASH 25M sailplane equipped
with fuel injected engine IAE50R-AA. The incorrect fitting includes a
combination of sealing cones. After maintenance, the incorrect
combination of sealing cones inside the fittings might cause a fuel
leak.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Any fuel line
with improper fittings could result in fuel leakage and a possible fire
hazard.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to
amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an AD that would apply to all Alexander Schleicher Model ASH
25M sailplanes equipped with fuel injected engine IAE50R-AA. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on February 11, 2004 (69 FR 6585). The NPRM proposed
to require you to inspect the fuel line for correct fittings, and, if
any incorrect fitting is found, replace the fuel line.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no
comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully
reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor
editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
--Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
--Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10,
2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997,
July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's AD system. This regulation now
includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many airplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 2 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the
affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the
inspection:
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Total cost Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per on U.S.
sailplane operators
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1 workhour at $65 per hour = $65........... Not Applicable......................... $65 $130
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacement that will be required based on the results of this
inspection. We have no way of determining the number of sailplanes that
may need this replacement:
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Labor cost Parts cost Total cost per sailplane
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1 workhour x $65 per hour = $65............................ $160 $65 + $160 = $225
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Regulatory Findings
Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? 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); 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.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD and
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket No. 2003-CE-64-AD'' in your request.
[[Page 29220]]
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2004-10-08 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau:
Amendment 39-13638; Docket No. 2003-CE-64-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on July 6, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects all Model ASH 25M sailplanes, all serial
numbers, that are:
(1) certificated in any category; and
(2) equipped with fuel injected engine IAE50R-AA.
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to detect and
correct fuel lines with improper fittings, which could result in
fuel leakage and a possible fire hazard.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Inspect the fuel line Within the next 50 Follow Alexander
between the injection valve hours time-in- Schleicher GmbH &
and pressure regulator for service (TIS) after Co.
the correct color of July 6, 2004 (the Segelflugzeugbau
connecting fittings (The effective date of ASH 25 Mi Technical
connecting fitting at the this AD), unless Note No. 22, dated
injection valve must be already done. February 21, 2003.
blue and the connecting
fitting at the pressures
regulatory must be black.).
(2) If you find any fuel Before further Follow Alexander
line with blue connecting flight after the Schleicher GmbH &
fittings at both ends, then inspection required Co.
replace the fuel line with by paragraph (e)(1) Segelflugzeugbau
a fuel line with a blue of this AD. ASH 25 Mi Technical
connecting fitting at the Note No. 22, dated
injection valve and a black February 21, 2003.
connecting fitting at the
pressure regulator.
(3) Do not install any fuel As of July 6, 2004 Not Applicable.
line that uses blue (the effective date
connecting fittings at both of this AD).
ends.
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May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Greg Davison, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile:
(816) 329-4090.
Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?
(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASH
25 Mi Technical Note No. 22, dated February 21, 2003. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. You may get a copy from Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau, D-36163 Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany;
telephone: 011-49 6658 89-0; facsimile: 011-49 6658 89-40. You may
review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) German AD Number 2003-129, dated March 21, 2003, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 12, 2004.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-11370 Filed 5-20-04; 8:45 am]
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