[Federal Register: April 21, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 77)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 21395-21397]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ap04-2]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-62-AD; Amendment 39-13583; AD 2004-08-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel Models Mosquito and Club
Libelle 205 Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Glasflugel Models Mosquito and Club Libelle 205 sailplanes. This AD
requires you to replace the rudder actuator arm with an improved design
rudder actuator arm. 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 the rudder attachment
actuator arm from failing due to ground handling damage. This failure
could eventually result in reduced or loss of sailplane control.
DATES: This AD becomes effective on May 28, 2004.
As of May 28, 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 Glasflugel, Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hansjory Steifeneder,
Hofener Weg, 72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; telephone: 011 49 7382 1032.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-62-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
What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA),
which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA
that an
[[Page 21396]]
unsafe condition may exist on all Glasflugel Models Mosquito and Club
Libelle 205 sailplanes. The LBA reports incidents of rudder actuator
arm failure. This failure is occurring through lifting the fuselage by
the rudder.
Glasflugel has manufactured a new improved design rudder actuator
arm that is less susceptible to such damage.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? Rudder
attachment actuator arm failure could eventually result in reduced or
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 Glasflugel Models Mosquito and
Club Libelle 205 sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 17, 2004
(69 FR 7382). The NPRM proposed to require you to replace the rudder
actuator arm with an improved design rudder actuator arm.
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.
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 80 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 do the
replacement:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $65 per hour = $195......................... $90 $285 $22,800
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-62-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:
2004-08-14 Glasflugel: Amendment 39-13583; Docket No. 2003-CE-62-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on May 28, 2004.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the Models Mosquito and Club Libelle 205
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 of this AD are intended to prevent the rudder
attachment actuator arm from failing due to ground handling damage.
This failure could eventually result in reduced or loss of sailplane
control.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
[[Page 21397]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Replace the rudder Within the next 25 Follow Glasflugel
actuator arm (manufactured hours time-in- Technical Note No.
following drawing No. 203- service (TIS) after 205-22 and No. 206-
45-10) with an improved May 28, 2004 (the 21, dated October
design arm that is effective date of 14, 2002 (LBA-
manufactured following this AD), unless approved November
drawing No. 203-45-10-2. already done. 11, 2002); or
Glasflugel
Technical Note No.
303-23 and No. 304-
10, dated October
14, 2002 (LBA-
approved November
11, 202), as
applicable.
-----------------------------
(2) Do not install any As of May 28, 2004 Not Applicable.
rudder actuator arm that is (the effective date
not manufactured following of this AD).
drawing No. 203-45-10-2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Glasflugel Technical Note No. 205-22 and No. 206-21,
dated October 14, 2002 (LBA-approved November 11, 2002); or
Glasflugel Technical Note No. 303-23 and No. 304-10, dated October
14, 2002 (LBA-approved November 11, 2002), as applicable. 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 Glasflugel,
Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hansjory Steifeneder, Hofener Weg,
72582 Grabenstetten, Germany; telephone: 011 49 7382 1032. You may
review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional
Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW.,
suite 700, Washington, DC.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) German AD No. 2003-004 and No. 2003-005, both effective
date: January 9, 2003, also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 13, 2004.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8790 Filed 4-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P