FR Doc 05-19929

[Federal Register: October 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 196)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 59258-59263]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12oc05-15]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD;
Amendment 39-14322; AD 2003-19-14 R2]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH
& CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III
ACRO Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-19-14
R1, which applies to certain BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH &
CO KG (GROB) Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN
III ACRO sailplanes. AD 2003-19-14 R1 requires you to modify the
airspeed indicators, install flight speed reduction and aerobatic
maneuver restrictions placards (as applicable), and revise the flight
and maintenance manuals. AD 2003-19-14 R1 approves simple aerobatic
maneuvers for Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes and provides an
option for modifying the rear fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO
and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes to terminate the flight limitation
restrictions for aerobatic maneuvers. This AD retains all the actions
from AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III
ACRO and reinstates certain operating limits for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR
sailplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the fuselage
during limit load flight, which could result in reduced structural
integrity. This condition could lead to loss of control of the
sailplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective on November 30, 2005.
On August 12, 2004 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004) the Director of the

[[Page 59259]]

Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference GROB Service
Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin
No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003; and GROB Work Instruction for
OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003.
As of November 30, 2005, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of GROB Service Bulletin No.
MSB315-64/3, dated September 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: To get the service information identified in this AD,
contact GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139;
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-
aerospace.de.
To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-20441; Directorate

Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory A. 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? Reports from the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, that
the safety margins established into the design of the fuselage may not
be sufficient to sustain limit loads during certain maneuvers and
during flight at certain speeds for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN
II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This caused
us to issue AD 2003-19-14, Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September
30, 2003). AD 2003-19-14 required the following:

--Modifying the airspeed indicators;
--Installing placards restricting flight speeds, prohibiting aerobatic
maneuvers, and restricting load limits; and
--Incorporating revisions to the flight and maintenance manuals.

AD 2003-19-14 was issued as an interim action until the
manufacturer completed further investigations into the effects of
certain flight conditions on the fuselage structure and the development
of corrective procedures.
The manufacturer conducted further investigations and static
strength tests to verify the safety margins of the fuselage on the
affected sailplanes. This information prompted us to issue AD 2003-19-
14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004). AD 2003-19-14
R1 requires the following:
For Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:

--Retain all flight limitation restrictions in AD 2003-19-14.
For Model G103 TWIN II sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations and remove from the applicability section of AD 2003-19-14;

For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations; and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:

--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations except for rough air
(VB) and maneuvering speeds (VA); and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).

For Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes:

--Increase airspeed limits specified in AD 2003-19-14 but maintain a
reduction from the original limitations; and
--Retain restrictions in AD 2003-19-14 on all aerobatic flights,
including simple maneuvers, and cloud flying.

The manufacturer also developed a modification for Models G103A
TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes
(aerobatic category). When this modification is incorporated, full
acrobatic status is restored to these sailplanes.
What has happened since AD 2003-19-14 R1 to initiate this proposed
action? The LBA recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 2003-19-
14 R1. Based on analysis, the LBA reports that certain limits of
operation for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes may be reinstated.
Specifically, the maximum airspeed in calm air (VNE)
could be reinstated to 135 knots (155 mph/250kmh) for Model G103 TWIN
ASTIR sailplanes. Aerobatic flight is still prohibited; however, simple
aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles)
may be performed following the flight manual.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not
prevented, damage to the fuselage during limit load flight could result
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to 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 certain GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR,
G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This proposal
was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on March 23, 2005 (70 FR 14580). The NPRM proposed to
revise AD 2003-19-14 R1 with a new AD that would:
(1) retain all actions required in AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models
G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes; and
(2) reinstate certain operating limits for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR
sailplanes.

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.

[[Page 59260]]

Costs of Compliance

How many sailplanes does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD
affects 94 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
modifications to the airspeed indicators, flight limitations placards,
and revising the flight and maintenance manuals:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S. operators
sailplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work hour x $65 = $65.............. Not applicable.......... $65 $65 x 94 = $6,110.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes and G103C
TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes, we estimate the
following costs to do the fuselage modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 work hours x $65 = $1,950............ $5,307 $7,257.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is the difference between the cost impact of this AD and the
cost impact of AD 2003-19-14 R1? There is no cost difference between
this AD and AD 2003-19-14 R1. This AD is only revising certain
operating limits for certain Model G103 TWIN ASTIR. This AD does not
require any additional actions than are currently required in AD 2003-
19-14 R1.

Authority for This Rulemaking

What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106 describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this AD.

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
other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 ``Docket
No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004), and by
adding a new AD to read as follows:

2003-19-14 R2 BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG:
Amendment 39-14322; Docket No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate
Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD; Revises AD 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-
13676.

When Does This AD Become Effective?

(a) This AD becomes effective on November 30, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?

(b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
G103 TWIN ASTIR........................ All serial numbers.
G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) All serial numbers with suffix
``K''.
G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic All serial numbers.
category).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 59261]]

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
damage to the fuselage during limit load flight, which could result
in reduced structural integrity. This condition 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) For G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes: Within the next 25 hours Following GROB Service
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; time-in-service (TIS) Bulletin No. MSB315-64/
(ii) Install the following placard: after November 30, 2005 3, dated September 14,
(the effective date of 2004.
this AD), unless
already done.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.010

(iii) You may perform simple aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and
chandelles) following the flight manual; and
(iv) Revise the flight and maintenance manuals.
(2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) Within the next 25 hours Follow Grob Service
sailplanes: time-in-service (TIS) Bulletin No. MSB315-65,
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; and after August 12, 2004 dated September 15,
(ii) Install the following placards on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: (the effective date AD 2003.
2003-19-14 R1), unless
already done.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.011

(iii) Install the following placards on Model G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category)
sailplanes:

[[Page 59262]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.012

(3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) At any time after August Follow Grob Service
sailplanes: as an alternative to the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you may 12, 2004 (the effective Bulletin No. OSB 315-
install additional stringers in the rear fuselage section. Installing additional stringers date AD 2003-19-14 R1). 66, dated October 16,
terminates the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. 2003, and Work
Instruction for OSB 315-
66, dated October 16,
2003.
(4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) Prior to further flight Follow Grob Service
sailplanes: only if you installed the additional stringers specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this after doing the actions Bulletin No. OSB 315-
AD, do the following: in paragraph (e)(3) of 66, dated October 16,
(i) Remove the placard prohibiting all aerobatic maneuvers; this AD. 2003.
(ii) Install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic
category) sailplanes:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.013

(iii) Install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic
category) sailplanes:

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR12OC05.014

[[Page 59263]]

Note: The placard information in this AD is different from the
information in the applicable service bulletins. This AD takes
precedence over the service bulletins. You should update your
placards to reflect the information presented in 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 Gregory A. Davison,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130;
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

(g) German AD D-2003-231R3, dated November 9, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.

Does This AD Incorporate Any Material by Reference?

(h) You must do the actions required by this AD following the
instructions in GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-64/3, dated
September 14, 2004; Grob Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated
September 15, 2003; Grob Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated
October 16, 2003; and Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October
16, 2003.
(1) On August 12, 2004 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004), and in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Grob
Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003; Grob
Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003; and Work
Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003.
(2) As of November 30, 2005, and in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, the Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of GROB Service Bulletin No.
MSB315-64/3, dated September 14, 2004.
(3) To get a copy of this service information, contact GROB
Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-
Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49
8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-aerospace.de. To review
copies of this service information, go to the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/ federal--

register/code--of--federal--regulations/ ibr--locations.html or call
(202) 741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001 or on
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2005-

20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 28, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19929 Filed 10-11-05; 8:45 am]

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