[Federal Register: August 23, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 162)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 51761-51763]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23au04-1]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
[[Page 51761]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2004-CE-10-AD; Amendment 39-13776; AD 2004-17-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Grob-Werke Gmbh & Co KG Models G102
CLUB ASTIR III, G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb, and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III
Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-26-25,
which applies to all Grob-Werke Gmbh & Co KG (Grob) Models G102 CLUB
ASTIR III, G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb, and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III
sailplanes. AD 2001-26-25 currently requires you to apply a red mark
and install a placard on the airspeed indicator to restrict the Vne
airspeed. This AD requires you to install additional mass balance in
the elevator and ailerons and determine resultant empty weight and
empty weight center of gravity; incorporate a revision in the sailplane
maintenance manual; and remove the red mark and the red placard on the
airspeed indicator (both required by AD 2001-26-25). This AD is the
result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued
by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to
prevent elevator flutter, which could cause structural damage. Such
damage could result in loss of control of the sailplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on October 7, 2004.
As of October 7, 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, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49 8268
998139; facsimile: 49 8268 998200.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-CE-10-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
Has FAA taken any action to this point? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt
(LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, reported that
during flight operation of Model G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb sailplanes, two
events of elevator flutter occurred in the upper flight speed range due
to unknown causes. This resulted in us issuing AD 2001-26-25, Amendment
39-12591 (67 FR 809, January 8, 2002).
AD 2001-26-25 currently requires the following on Grob Models G102
CLUB ASTIR III, G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb, and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III
sailplanes:
--Application of a red mark on the airspeed indicator at 165 km/h, 89.1
kts, or 102.5 mph (according to the airspeed indicator calibration);
and
--Installation of a red placard to the airspeed indicator restricting
the Vne airspeed to 165 km/h, 89.1 kts, or 102.5 mph (according to the
airspeed indicator calibration).
What has happened since AD 2001-26-25 to initiate this action? The
LBA recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 2001-26-25. As a
result of extensive tests and calculations, the LBA has determined that
operation within the original margins can be approved if additional
mass balance is installed in the elevators and ailerons.
Additionally, the LBA has determined that the operation with
restricted Vne airspeed to 165 km/h, 89.1 kts, or 102.5 mph (according
to the airspeed indicator calibration) is permitted to continue until
additional mass balance is installed in the elevator and ailerons.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Elevator
flutter could cause structural damage. Such damage could result in 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 Grob-Werke Gmbh & Co KG (Grob)
Models G102 CLUB ASTIR III, G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb, and G102 STANDARD
ASTIR III sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on June 3, 2004 (69
FR 31327). The NPRM proposed to supersede AD 2001-26-25 with a new AD
that would require you to:
--Install additional mass balance in the elevator and ailerons and
determine empty weight and empty weight center of gravity after
installing any additional mass balance;
--Incorporate Revision 2, dated December 4, 2002, in the sailplane
maintenance manual or other appropriate document; and
--Remove the red mark on the airspeed indicator (required by AD 2001-
26-25) at 165 km/h, 89.1 kts, or 102.5 mph.
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.
[[Page 51762]]
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 50 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
modification to install additional mass balance in the elevator and
ailerons and determine the empty weight and empty weight center of
gravity; incorporate a revision in the applicable sailplane maintenance
manual; and remove the red mark on the airspeed indicator and the red
placard to the airspeed indicator:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 workhours x $65 per hour = $650......... Not Applicable............... $650 $32,500
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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. 2004-CE-10-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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2001-26-25, Amendment 39-12591 (67 FR 809, January 8, 2002), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:
2004-17-04 Grob-Werke Gmbh & Co KG: Amendment 39-13776; Docket No.
2004-CE-10-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on October 7, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-26-25.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following Models G102 CLUB ASTIR III,
G102 CLUB ASTIR IIIb, and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III sailplanes, all
serial numbers, that are certificated in any category.
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
elevator flutter, which could cause structural damage. Such damage
could result in loss of control of the sailplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install additional mass Within the next 25 Follow GROB Luft-
balance in the elevator and hours time-in- und Raumfahrt
ailerons and determine service (TIS) Service Bulletin
resultant empty weight and after October 7, No. MSB306-36/3,
empty weight center of gravity. 2004 (the dated December 4,
effective date of 2002; GROB Luft-
this AD). und Raumfahrt
Service
Installation
Instructions No.
MSB306-36/3,
dated April 18,
2002; and
Instructions for
Continued
Airworthiness
GROB G 102,
Revision 1, dated
April 18, 2002.
The applicable
sailplane
maintenance
manual also
addresses this
issue.
---------------------------------
(2) Incorporate Instructions for Before further Not applicable.
Continued Airworthiness GROB G flight after
102, Revision 1, dated April installing the
18, 2002, in the sailplane additional mass
maintenance manual, or other balance and
appropriate document. determining the
empty weight and
empty weight
center of gravity
required by
paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD.
---------------------------------
[[Page 51763]]
(3) Remove the red mark on the Before further Follow GROB Luft-
airspeed indicator (formerly flight after und Raumfahrt
required by AD 2001-26-25) at installing the Service Bulletin
165 kilometers/hour (km/h), additional mass No. MSB306-36/3,
89.1 knots (kts), or 102.5 balance and dated December 4,
miles per hour (mph). determining the 2002, and GROG
empty weight and Luft-und
empty weight Raumfahrt Service
center of gravity Installation
required by Instruction No.
paragraph (e)(1) MSB306-36/3,
of this AD. dated April 18,
2002. The
applicable
sailplane
maintenance
manual also
addresses this
issue.
---------------------------------
(4) Remove the red placard to Before further Not applicable.
the airspeed indicator flight after
(formerly required by AD 2001- installing the
26-25) restricting the Vne additional mass
airspeed to 165 km/h, 89.1 kts, balance and
or 102.5 mph (according to the determining the
airspeed indicator calibration). empty weight and
empty weight
center of gravity
required by
paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt Service Bulletin No. MSB306-
36/3, dated December 4, 2002; GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt Service
Installation Instructions No. MSB306-36/3, dated April 18, 2002; and
Instructions for Continued Airworthiness GROB G 102, Revision 1,
dated April 18, 2002. 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, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49
8268 998139; facsimile: 49 8268 998200. 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 Numbers 2001-317/4, dated January 9, 2003, and
2001-317/3, dated November 14, 2002, also address the subject of
this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 13, 2004.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-18997 Filed 8-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P