[Federal Register: April 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 69)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 18845-18848]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ap04-14]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-66-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-
Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-Bielsko'' Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz''
Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-
Bielsko'' (PZL-Bielsko) Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes. This
proposed AD would require you to inspect the
[[Page 18846]]
airbrake torque tube for cracks, distortion, and corrosion (herein
referred to as damage). This proposed AD would also require you to
replace or repair any damaged airbrake torque tube. This proposed AD is
the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by the airworthiness authority for Poland. We are issuing this
proposed AD to detect and correct damage on the airbrake torque tube,
which could result in failure of the airbrake system. This failure
could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
By mail: FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-66-AD, 901
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
By fax: (816) 329-3771.
By e-mail: 9-ACE-7-Docket@faa.gov. Comments sent
electronically must contain ``Docket No. 2003-CE-66-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.
You may get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Allstar PZL Glider Sp. z o.o., ul. Cieszy[nacute]ska 325, 43-300
Bielsko-Biala.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-66-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:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``AD
Docket No. 2003-CE-66-AD'' in the subject line of your comments. If you
want us to acknowledge receipt of your mailed comments, send us a self-
addressed, stamped postcard with the docket number written on it. We
will date-stamp your postcard and mail it back to you.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Discussion
What events have caused this proposed AD? The General Inspectorate
of Civil Aviation (GICA), which is the airworthiness authority for
Poland, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all
PZL-Bielsko Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes. The GICA reports
several instances of the airbrake torque tube breaking and separating
from the fuselage during flight, which makes it impossible to retract
the airbrake.
An investigation revealed damage at the welded joint between the
airbrake torque tube and the fuselage. The damage was caused by
material fatigue due to frequent striking load that exceeds the
recommended allowances and/or corrosion.
What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? This
condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the airbrake
system to fail. Failure of the airbrake system could result in loss of
control of the sailplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? Allstar
PZL Glider Sp. Z o.o. has issued Mandatory Bulletin No. BE-052/SZD-50-
3/2003 ``Puchacz'', dated July 22, 2003.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the airbrake torque tube for crack, distortion, and
corrosion (damage); and
--Replacing or repairing any damaged airbrake torque tube.
What action did the GICA take? The GICA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory and issued Republic of Poland AD Number SP-0052-
2003-A, dated July 22, 2003, to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these sailplanes in Poland.
Did the GICA inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These PZL-Bielsko Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz''
sailplanes are manufactured in Poland and are type-certificated for
operation in the United States under the provisions of Sec. 21.29 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable
bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the GICA has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined the GICA's findings,
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other PZL-Bielsko Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' sailplanes
of the same type design that are registered in the United States, we
are proposing AD action to detect and correct damage in the airbrake
torque tube, which could result in failure of the airbrake system. This
failure could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service
bulletin.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, we 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 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 would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 8 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 accomplish this proposed inspection:
[[Page 18847]]
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Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane U.S. operators
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5 workhours x $65 per hour = $325............. Not applicable.................. $325 $2,600
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We estimate the following costs to accomplish any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of this
proposed 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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5 workhours x $65 per hour = $325.......... $294 $325 + $294 = $619.
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Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have determined
that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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 proposed 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-66-AD'' in your request.
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 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):
/Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa ``PZL-
Bielsko'': Docket No. 2003-CE-66-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 May 9, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects Model SZD-50-3 ``Puchacz'' 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 Poland.
We are issuing this proposed AD to detect and correct cracks in the
airbrake torque tube, which could result in failure of the airbrake
system. 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:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Using a fluorescent dye- Within the next 25 Follow Allstar PZL
penetrant or dye-check hours time-in- Glider Sp. Z o.o.
method, inspect the service (TIS) after Mandatory Bulletin
airbrake torque tube for the effective date No. BE-052/SZD-50-3/
cracks and corrosion pits. of this AD. 2003 ``Puchacz'',
Visually inspect for Repetitively dated July 22,
permanent distortions and inspect thereafter 2003.
surface corrosion (damage). at intervals not to
exceed 12 calendar
months or 100 hours
TIS, whichever
occurs later.
(2) Based on the results of Prior to further Follow Allstar PZL
the inspection: flight after the Glider Sp. Z o.o.
(a) Repair the airbrake inspection in which Mandatory Bulletin
torque tube if slight, the damage is No. BE-052/SZD-50-3/
uniform corrosive deposits found. Continue 2003 ``Puchacz'',
are found during the with the repetitive dated July 22,
inspection required in inspections 2003.
paragraph (e)(1) of this AD required in
by removing the corrosive paragraph (e)(1) of
deposits with a fine this AD after each
abrasive paper; and. repair or
(b) Replace the airbrake replacement is made.
torque tube if any other
damage is found during the
inspection required in
paragraph (e)(1) of 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.
[[Page 18848]]
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from Allstar PZL Glider Sp. z o.o., ul. Cieszynska, 43-300 Bielsko-
Biala. 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) Republic of Poland AD Number SP-0052-2003-A, dated July 22,
2003.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 2, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8055 Filed 4-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P