[Federal Register: July 13, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 133)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 41923-41925]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13jy04-5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-58-AD; Amendment 39-13730; AD 2004-14-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10, S10-V,
and S10-VT Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10, S10-V, and S10-VT sailplanes. This AD
requires you to remove the drive shaft assembly and ship it to the
service department of Stemme GmbH & Co. The engine is mounted behind
the two side-by-side seats. The engine combined with the carbon fiber
drive shaft turn the centrifugally extended propeller. After an initial
visual inspection, the service department will perform an operational
check to determine whether the drive shaft can be further used or must
be replaced. Once corrective action is identified, a drive shaft will
be shipped to you for installation. This AD is the result of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness
authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
incorrectly glued drive shafts, which could result in drive shaft
failure. During self-takeoff or critical periods of landing, failure of
the drive shaft could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 21, 2004.
As of August 21, 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 Stemme GmbH & Co. AG, Flugplatzstra[eszett]e F 2, Nr. 7, D-15344
Strausberg, Germany.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-58-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 Davison, Aerospace Engineer,
Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, 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 all Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10,
S10-V, and S10-VT sailplanes. The LBA reports that two drive shafts
have failed during normal operation of the sailplane. The flanges of
the drive shafts started to rotate within the carbon fiber reinforced
plastics-tube (CFRP-tube), while the drive shafts still appeared to be
intact when looking at them from the outside. The metal flanges on both
ends of the drive shafts might not have been properly glued to the
CFRP-tube.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Incorrectly
glued drive shafts could result in drive shaft failure. This failure
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 all Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10,
S10-V, and S10-VT sailplanes. This proposal was published in the
Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 16,
2004 (69 FR 74). The NPRM proposed to require you to remove the drive
shaft assembly and ship it to the service department of Stemme GmbH &
Co. After an initial visual inspection, the service department will
perform an operational check to determine whether the drive shaft can
be further used or must be replaced. Once corrective action is taken,
the NPRM also proposed to require you to install the returned drive
shaft.
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
[[Page 41924]]
--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 57 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 remove the
drive shaft, ship it to and from manufacturer's service department, and
install the drive shaft after manufacturer's inspection is complete:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shipping cost to
Labor cost Parts cost and from Total cost per Total cost on
manufacturer sailplane U.S operations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 workhours x $65 per hour = $390....... N/A $1,080 $1,470 $83,790
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs for the manufacturer to do the
inspection and any necessary repairs 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 repair:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and testing by N/A $210
manufacturer--$210.................
Replacement of drive shaft--labor is $5,780 5780
included in the parts cost.........
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-58-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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:
2004-14-21 Stemme GmbH & Co.: Amendment 39-13730; Docket No. 2003-
CE-58-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on August 21, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Models Serial nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) S10-VT........................... 11-001 through 11-055, 11-057, 11-
058, and 11-060 through 11-066;
(2) S10-V............................ 14-003, 14-004, 14-007, 14-014,
14-015, and 14-018 through 14-
030, as well as conversion
serial numbers 14-028M, 14-036M,
and 14-038M; and 10-08 and 10-
13.
(3) S10.............................. 10-08 and 10-13.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) The actions specified in this AD are intended to identify
incorrectly glued drive shafts, which could result in drive shaft
failure. This failure could 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:
[[Page 41925]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove the drive shaft Do within 50 hours Follow the
and ship it to the service time-in-service procedures in the
department of Stemme GmbH & after August 21, Stemme GmbH & Co.
Co. for inspection at the 2004 (the effective Service Bulletin
following address: Stemme date of this AD). A31-10-058, dated
GmbH & Co. AG, November 8, 2001.
Flugplatzstra[eszett]e F 2,
Nr. 7, D-15344 Strausberg,
Germany. The sailplane's
Component History Card and
information about the
current operating times
(time since new, time since
overhaul) must be included.
(2) Install the drive shaft Before further Follow the
after Stemme GmbH & Co. has flight after procedures in the
performed the inspections, receiving the Stemme GmbH & Co.
determined corrective returned drive Service Bulletin
action, and returned the shaft. A31-10-058, dated
drive shaft. November 8, 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 M. Davison,
Aerospace Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, 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 Stemme GmbH & Co. Service Bulletin A31-10-058, dated
November 8, 2001. 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
Stemme GmbH & Co., Flugplatzstra[eszett]e F 2, Nr. 7, D-15344
Strausberg, Germany. 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) LBA Airworthiness Directive No. 2002-113, dated May 2, 2002,
and Stemme GmbH & Co. Service Bulletin A31-10-058, dated November 8,
2001, also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 30, 2004.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15667 Filed 7-12-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P