[Federal Register: October 7, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 194)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 60106-60108]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07oc04-15]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-57-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; LET a.s. Model Blanik L-13 AC
Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); Reopening of
the comment period.
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SUMMARY: This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed
airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all LET a.s. (formerly
LET n.p.) (LET) Model Blanik L-13 AC sailplanes. The earlier NPRM would
have required you to repetitively inspect the bedding of the front and
rear control levers for cracks, and, if any cracks are found, replace
with parts found free of cracks. The earlier NPRM resulted from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for the Czech Republic. The MCAI is a report of
one occurrence of cracks in the attachment of control levers on the
control bridge. Since FAA issued the NPRM, FAA has received and
evaluated new service information that eliminates the repetitive
inspection, requires replacement of parts, and changes the serial
number effectivity. Since these actions impose an additional burden
over that proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to
allow the public the chance to comment on these additional actions.
DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any
[[Page 60107]]
comments on this proposed rule on or before November 8, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments to FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-57-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may view any
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. You may also send comments
electronically to the following address: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov.
Comments sent electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-57-AD''
in the subject line. If you send comments electronically as attached
electronic files, the files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for
Windows or ASCII text.
You may get service information that applies to this proposed AD
from LET a.s., Kunovice 686 04, Czech Republic; telephone: +420 632 55
44 96; facsimile: +420 632 56 41 13. You may also view this information
at the Rules Docket at the address above.
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:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on
this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or
arguments you choose. You need to include the proposed rule's docket
number and submit your comments to the address specified under the
caption ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received on or before
the closing date. We may amend this proposed rule in light of comments
received. Factual information that supports your ideas and suggestions
is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of this proposed
AD action and determining whether we need to take additional rulemaking
action.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may
view all comments we receive before and after the closing date of the
rule in the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket
that summarizes each contact we have with the public that concerns the
substantive parts of this proposed AD.
How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want FAA to
acknowledge the receipt of your mailed comments, you must include a
self-addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to
Docket No. 2003-CE-57-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard
back to you.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? The Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA), which is the airworthiness authority for the Czech
Republic, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain LET Model Blanik L-13 AC sailplanes. The CAA reports one
occurrence of cracks in the attachment of control levers on the control
bridge (Drawing No. A71 210N) on a Model Blanik L-13 AC sailplane after
130 hours time-in-service (TIS) of aerobatics. The cracks are due to
material fatigue.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected?
Failure of the control bridge for the sailplane could lead to loss of
sailplane control.
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 LET a.s. (formerly LET n.p.)
(LET) Model Blanik L-13 AC sailplanes. This proposal was published in
the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March
9, 2004 (69 FR 10939). The NPRM proposed to require you to repetitively
inspect the bedding of the front and rear control levers for cracks,
and, if any cracks are found, replace with parts found free of cracks.
You would have to do the proposed actions following Letecke Zavody
Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/095a, dated October 18, 2001.
Was the public invited to comment? The FAA encouraged interested
persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not
receive any comments on the NPRM or our estimate of the cost impact
upon the public.
Since issuance of the NPRM, LET has issued the new Letecke Zavody
Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13AC/014a, dated July 17, 2003. This service
bulletin eliminates the repetitive inspection, requires the replacement
of parts, and changes the serial number effectivity.
The CAA has not amended the Czech AD to reflect this service
information. However, FAA has evaluated the new service information and
determined that the NPRM should be changed to reflect the requirements
in the new LET service bulletin.
The Supplemental NPRM
How will the changes to the NPRM impact the public? Proposing to
eliminate the repetitive inspection, require the replacement of parts,
and changing the serial number effectivity goes beyond the scope of
what was already proposed and imposes an additional burden on the
public. Therefore, we are issuing a supplemental NPRM and reopening the
comment period to allow the public additional time to comment.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation
now includes material that relate to special flight permits,
alternative methods of compliance, and altered products. 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.
Cost Impact
How many airplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 5 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs
to do the proposed replacement:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost Total cost on U.S.
per airplane operators
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7 workhours x $65 per hour = $455......................... $2,000 $2,455 $12,275
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[[Page 60108]]
Regulatory Impact
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations
proposed herein would 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. Therefore, it is determined that this
proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive
Order 13132.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if
promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
LET a.s. (Formerly LET n.p.): Docket No. 2003-CE-57-AD.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by November 8, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Model Blanik L-13 AC sailplanes, serial
numbers 988601, 988603, 008605, 008606, and 028902, that are
certificated in any category:
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of a report of one occurrence of
cracks in the attachment of control levers on the control bridge.
The actions specified in this AD are intended to correct cracks in
the bedding of the front and rear control levers, which could result
in failure of the control bridge for the sailplane. This failure
could lead to loss of sailplane control.
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) Replace the original control Within the next 25 Follow the WORK
bridge (Drawing No. A741 210N) hours time-in- PROCEDURE
with the new strengthened service (TIS) paragraph of LET
control column mounting bridge after the Letecke Zavody
(Drawing No. A740 370N). effective date of Mandatory
this AD, unless Bulletin No.:
already done. L13AC/014a, dated
July 17, 2003.
(2) Do not install any original As of the Not Applicable.
control bridge (Drawing No. effective date of
A741 210N). this AD.
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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.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from LET a.s., Kunovice 686 04, Czech Republic; telephone: +420 632
55 44 96; facsimile: +420 632 56 41 13. You may view these documents
at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust,
Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) Czech Airworthiness Directive CAA-AD-090/2001, dated October
25, 2001, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22581 Filed 10-6-04; 8:45 am]
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