[Federal Register: June 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 118)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 34258-34262]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jn04-3]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-35-AD; Amendment 39-13676; AD 2003-19-14 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH
& CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III
ACRO Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA revises Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-19-14 which
applies to all BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG (GROB)
Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. AD 2003-19-14 currently requires you to
modify the airspeed indicators, install flight speed reduction and
aerobatic maneuver restrictions placards (as applicable), and revise
the flight and maintenance manual. This AD retains all the actions in
AD 2003-19-14 for all Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes, removes Model
G103 TWIN II from the applicability, and retains the aerobatic maneuver
restriction for Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This AD also
requires you to revise the modification to airspeed indicators, install
a revised flight speed reduction placard, and revise the flight and
maintenance manual for certain Models G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. Simple Aerobatic maneuvers are also re-
approved for Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes. An option for
modifying the rear fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C
TWIN III ACRO sailplanes that terminates the flight limitation
restrictions for aerobatic maneuvers is also included in this AD.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 12, 2004.
As of August 12, 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 GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139;
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-
aerospace.de.
[[Page 34259]]
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-35-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: Gregory A. 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? Reports from the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, that
the safety margins established into the design of the fuselage may not
have been sufficient to sustain limit loads during certain maneuvers
and during flight at certain speeds caused us to issue AD 2003-19-14,
Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September 30, 2003). AD 2003-19-14
requires the following:
--Modifying the airspeed indicators;
--Installing placards restricting flight speeds, prohibiting aerobatic
maneuvers, and restricting load limits; and
--Incorporating revisions to the flight and maintenance manuals.
AD 2003-19-14 was issued as an interim action until the
manufacturer completed further investigations into the effects of
certain flight conditions on the fuselage structure and the development
of corrective procedures.
What has happened since AD 2003-19-14 to initiate this AD action?
The manufacturer conducted further static strength tests to verify the
safety margin of the fuselage on the affected sailplanes. The results
of these tests verified the following:
For Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:
--Retain all flight limitation restrictions in AD 2003-19-14.
For Model G103 TWIN II sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations. For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility category) sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations; and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations except for rough air
(VB) and maneuvering speeds (VA); and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
For Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes:
--Increase airspeed limits specified in AD 2003-19-14 but maintain a
reduction from the original limitations; and
--Retain restrictions in AD 2003-19-14 on all aerobatic flights,
including simple maneuvers, and cloud flying.
The manufacturer has also developed a modification for Models G103A
TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes
(aerobatic category). When this modification is incorporated, full
acrobatic status is restored to these sailplanes.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not
prevented, damage to the fuselage during limit load flight could result
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss of
control of the sailplane.
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 certain GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR,
G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This proposal
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on May 5, 2004 (69 FR 11111). The NPRM proposed to
retain all the actions in AD 2003-19-14 for all Model G103 TWIN ASTIR
sailplanes, remove Model G103 TWIN II from the applicability, and
retain the aerobatic maneuver restriction for Model G103C TWIN III ACRO
sailplanes. The NPRM also proposed to require you to revise the
modification to airspeed indicators, install a revised flight speed
reduction placard, and revise the flight and maintenance manual for
certain Models G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes.
Simple Aerobatic maneuvers were also proposed to be re-approved for
Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes. An option for modifying the rear
fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III ACRO
sailplanes that terminates the flight limitation restrictions for
aerobatic maneuvers was also included in the NPRM.
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 sailplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 94 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
modifications to the airspeed indicators, flight limitations placards,
and revising the flight and maintenance manual:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost Sailplane Total Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 workhour x $65 = $65.............. Not applicable......... $65 $65 x 94 =$6,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 34260]]
We estimate the following costs to accomplish the fuselage
modification on 35 of the affected sailplanes in the aerobatic
category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 workhours x $65 = $1,950......... $5,307 $7,257
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-35-AD'' in your request.
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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2003-19-14, Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September 30, 2003), and
by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2003-19-14 R1 BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG:
Amendment 39-13676; Docket No. 2003-CE-35-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on August 12, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G103 TWIN ASTIR........................... All serial numbers.
G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)... 3544 through 34078 with
suffix ``K''.
G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category).. 34101 through 34203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 prevent
the possibility of damage to the fuselage during limit load flight.
Such a condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the
fuselage and lead to loss of control of the sailplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For G103 TWIN ASTIR Within the next 10 Following GROB
sailplanes: hours time-in- Alert Service
(i) modify the airspeed service (TIS) Bulletin No.
indicators; after October 20, ASB315-64/2,
(ii) install flight speed, 2003 (the dated August 13,
aerobatic maneuver, and load effective date of 2003.
limit restriction placards; and AD 2003-19-14).
(iii) revise the flight and
maintenance manual
(2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO
(utility and acrobatic
category) and G103C TWIN III
ACRO (acrobatic category)
sailplanes:
(i) re-set the airspeed
indicator to the new placard
limitations; and
(ii) install the following 2
placards on Model G103A TWIN II
ACRO (aerobatic category)
sailplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 34261]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.006
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Within the next 25 Follow GROB
(iii) install the following 2 hours time-in- Service Bulletin
placards on Model G103C TWIN service (TIS) No. MSB315-65,
III ACRO (aerobatic category) after August 12, dated September
sailplanes: 2004 (the 15, 2003.
effective date of
this AD).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.007
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO At any time after Follow GROB
(acrobatic category) and G103 August 12, 2004 Service Bulletin
TWIN III ACRO (ascrobatic (the effective No. OSB 315-66,
Category) sailplanes: as an date of this AD). dated October 16,
alternative to the flight 2003, and Work
restrictions in paragraph Instruction for
(e)(2) of this AD, you may OSB 315-66, dated
install additional stringers in October 16, 2003.
the rear fuselage section.
Installing additional stringers
terminates the flight
restrictions in paragraph
(e)(2) of this AD.
(4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO
(acrobatic category) and G103C
TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic
category) sailplanes: only if
you installed the additional
stringers specified in
paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, do
the following:
(i) remove the placard
prohibiting all aerobatic
maneuvers;
(ii) install the following
flight limitation placard on
Model G103A TWIN II ACRO
(aerobatic category)
sailplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 34262]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.008
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prior to further Follow GROB
(iii) install the following flight after Service Bulletin
flight limitation placard on doing the actions No. OSB 315-66,
Model G103C TWIN II ACRO in paragraph dated October 16,
(aerobatic category) (e)(3) of this AD. 2003.
sailplanes:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21JN04.009
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 Gregory A. Davison,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130;
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in GROB Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB315-64/2, dated
August 13, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated
September 15, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated
October 16, 2003; and GROB Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated
October 16, 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 GROB
Luft- und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-
Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49
8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-aerospace.de. 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 D-2004-002, dated January 23, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 9, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-13566 Filed 6-18-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P