[Federal Register: April 14, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 72)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 19777-19779]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap04-14]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 19777]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-53-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Model ASW 27
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 Alexander Schleicher Model ASW 27 sailplanes equipped with
integrated (wet inner surface) water ballast tanks in the wings, which
could put the center of gravity (CG) of the sailplane out of the
acceptable range. This proposed AD would require you to install a
warning placard requiring pilots weighing more than 105 kg (231.5 lbs)
to use the rearmost backrest hinge position; and require you to
determine the forward empty CG and make any necessary adjustments. This
proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
We are issuing this proposed AD to correct the CG to the acceptable
range when integrated ballast water tanks are installed. Failure of the
sailplane to be within the acceptable CG range could result in loss of
sailplane control.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by May 14,
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-53-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-53-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 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., Segelflugzeugbau, D-36163
Poppenhausen, Germany.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-53-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:
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-53-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 Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority
for Germany, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist
on certain Alexander Schleicher Model ASW 27 sailplanes with wings
equipped with integrated (wet inner surface) water ballast tanks. The
LBA reports that water ballast in the integral wing water ballast tanks
causes a stronger nose heavy moment than the soft water ballast bags,
putting the CG out of acceptable range. To compensate for this, pilots
over a certain weight must only use the rearmost backrest position.
What Are the Consequences if the Condition Is Not Corrected?
Failure of the sailplane to be within the acceptable CG range could
result in loss of sailplane control.
Is There Service Information That Applies to This Subject?
Alexander Schleicher has issued Technical Note No. 9, dated
February 27, 2002.
What Are the Provisions of This Service Information?
The service bulletin includes procedures for: installing a warning
placard, amending the manual pages, and checking forward empty weight
CG.
What Action Did the LBA Take?
The LBA classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued
German AD Number 2002-086, dated March 7, 2002, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these sailplanes in Germany.
Did the LBA Inform the United States Under the Bilateral Airworthiness
Agreement?
These Alexander Schleicher Model ASW 27 sailplanes are manufactured
in Germany 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 LBA has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
[[Page 19778]]
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What Has FAA Decided?
We have examined the LBA'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 Alexander Schleicher Model ASW 27 sailplanes of the
same type design that are registered in the United States, we are
proposing AD action to prevent the sailplane from being outside of the
acceptable CG range, which could result in loss of sailplane control.
What Would This Proposed AD Require?
This proposed AD would require you to install a warning placard
requiring pilots weighing more than 105 kg (231.5 lbs) to use the
rearmost backrest hinge position; and require you to determine the
forward empty weight CG and make any necessary adjustments.
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 31 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
modification:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 work hour est. $60 per hour = $60 $7.................... $67 per airplane $2,077
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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-53-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):
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.: Docket No. 2003-CE-53-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 14, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following Alexander Schleicher Model ASW
27 sailplanes that are certificated in any category:
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Serial numbers Condition
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(1) 27105, 27109, 27110, 27113, 27115, Equipped with integrated (wet
27116, and 27119 through 27177. inner surface) water ballast
tanks on the wing at
manufacture.
(2) 27001 and up....................... Equipped with integrated (wet
inner surface) water ballast
tanks through wing replacement
per Technical Note No. 2.
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What is The Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of water ballast in the integral wing
water ballast tanks that may cause a stronger nose heavy moment than
the soft water ballast bags, putting the center-of-gravity (CG) out
of acceptable range. To compensate for this, pilots over a certain
weight must only use the rearmost backrest position. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to correct the forward empty
weight CG and prevent loss of sailplane control.
What Must I Do to Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
[[Page 19779]]
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) Fabricate (using letters Warning placard must Install placard
at least 1/8-inch in be installed within following Alexander
height) a warning placard 25 hours time in Schleicher
with the following language service (TIS) after Technical Note No.
and install this placard in the effective date 9, dated February
the cockpit in full view of of this AD. 27, 2002.
the pilot: ``When water
ballast is used, pilots
weighing 105 kg (231.5 lbs)
or more including parachute
must use the rearmost back
rest hinge position!''.
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(2) Determine the forward Within the next 50 Check forward empty
empty weight CG. hours TIS after the weight of CG
(i) If the CG is out of effective date of following Alexander
acceptable range, prior to this AD. Schleicher
further flight, contact the Technical Note No.
manufacturer at Alexander 9, dated February
Schleicher GmbH & Co., 27, 2002.
Seglflugzeugbau, D-36163
Poppenhausen, Germany for
corrective action and
perform the corrective
action..
(ii) If CG is within
acceptable range, no
further action is
necessary..
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Note: Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 9, dated February
27, 2002, changes some pages to the maintenance manual. We recommend
that you review those changes.
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 39.13. The principal inspector may add comments and will send
your request to the Manager, Standards Office, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106. For
information on any already approved alternative methods of
compliance, 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.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(g) You may get copies of the documents referenced in this AD
from Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., Seglflugzeugbau, D-36163
Poppenhausen, Germany. 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) LBA AD 2002-086, dated March 7, 2002, and Alexander
Schleicher Technical Note No. 9, dated February 27, 2002 also
address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 2, 2004.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8453 Filed 4-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P