[Federal Register: February 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 29)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 7443-7446]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14fe05-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB
Sailplanes and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a
Solo engine and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes
equipped with a Solo engine. This proposed AD would require you to
inspect the propeller for damage, specifically foam core separation,
and replace any damaged propeller. This proposed AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the
airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this proposed AD to
detect and correct damage to the propeller, which could result in
failure of the propeller to perform properly. This failure could lead
to reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by March 31,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to
http://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany;
telephone, 49 7257 890; fax, 49 7257 8922.
To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
This is docket number FAA-2004-19959.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room 301, 901 Locust, 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 the
docket number, ``FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-AD''
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
This is
[[Page 7444]]
docket number FAA-2004-19959. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy
Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65
FR 19477-78) or you may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
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.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket
on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after the DMS receives them.
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 all DG Flugzeugbau
GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine and all
Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a
Solo engine. The LBA reports that a damaged propeller was found on a
Model DG-800B sailplane.
The foam core inside the propeller separated and caused one blade
to be thicker than the other. The propeller became overheated after the
engine was retracted. This was possibly due to limited ventilation. The
LBA reports three occurrences of this condition.
The propeller on Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo
engine is of a similar design to Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with
a Solo engine.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected
and corrected, damage to the propeller, specifically foam core
separation, could cause the propeller to fail to perform properly. This
failure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH has issued Technical Note No. 843/19 (LBA approved on
April 7, 2004; EASA approved on April 26, 2004); and Technical Note
873/29 (LBA approved on April 7, 2004; EASA approved April 26, 2004).
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
information includes procedures for:
--Inspecting the propeller for damage; and
--Replacing any damaged propeller found.
What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified these technical
notes as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-195 and AD Number
D-2004-196, both dated April 23, 2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these sailplanes in Germany.
Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB
sailplanes and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes
are manufactured in Germany and are type-certificated for operation in
the United States under the provisions of section 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.
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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB sailplanes and
other Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes of the
same type design that are registered in the United States, we are
proposing AD action to detect and correct damage to the propeller,
which could result in failure of the propeller to operate properly.
This failure could lead to reduced or 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
information.
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 do this proposed inspection:
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Total cost per Total cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane operators
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65........ Not applicable........... $65 $65 x 31 = $2,015.
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We estimate the following costs to do 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:
[[Page 7445]]
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
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1 work hour x $65 per hour = $65........ $4,000 $4,065.
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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
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 FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-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):
DG Flugzeugbau GMBH and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GMBH: Docket No.
FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-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 March 31, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected By This Action?
(b) None.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects all Model DG-500MB and DG-800B sailplanes
that are:
(1) certificated in any category; and
(2) equipped with a Solo engine
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 detect and
correct damage to the propeller, which could result in failure of
the propeller to perform properly. This failure could lead to
reduced or 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) Inspect the propeller for Within 25 hours Follow DG Flugzeugbau
any signs of damage. time-in-service Technical Note No.
(TIS) after the 843/19 (LBA this AD.
effective date approved on April 7,
of AD. 2004; EASA approved
on April 26, 2004);
and DG Flugzeugbau
Technical Note 873/
29 (LBA approved on
April 7, 2004; EASA
approved April 26,
2004), as
applicable.
(2) If any damage is found Before further Follow DG Flugzeugbau
during the inspection flight after the Technical Note No.
required in paragraph (e)(1) inspection 843/19 (LBA
of this AD, replace the required in paragraph (e)(1)
propeller. paragraph (e)(1) approved on April 7,
of this AD. 2004; EASA approved
on April 26, 2004);
and DG Flugzeugbau
Technical Note 873/
29 (LBA approved on
April 7, 2004; EASA
approved April 26,
2004), as
applicable.
(3) Insert the following Within 25 hours The owner/operator
language in the LImitations TIS after the holding at least a
Section of the AFM: effective date private pilot
``Caution: With high of this AD. certificate as
temperatures (temperature on authorized by
ground above 25[deg]C/ section 43.7 of the
77[deg]F) there is the risk Federal Aviation
of authorized by overheating Regulations (14 CFR
the propeller after engine 43.7) may do the
retraction. To avoid damage flight manual
extend the engine again via changes requirement
manual switch (approx. 1 of this AD. Make an
second) to open the engine entry in the
doors, retract again 5 aircraft records
minutes'' showing compliance
with this portion of
the AD following
section 43.9 of the
Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR
43.9).
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Note: For Model DG-500MB sailplanes, FAA recommends you install
a polyurethane shock absorber at the retaining cable mounting in the
fuselage. This is specified in DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note No.
843/19 (LBA approved on April 7, 2004; EASA approved on April 26,
2004). The approximate cost to install the shock
[[Page 7446]]
absorber is $520 (4 work hours x $65 per hour for labor = $260 +
$260 for parts).
Starting with serial number 5E243B20 and on, this shock absorber
is being installed at production.
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 Davison,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room
301, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-
4130; facsimile: 816-329-4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) German AD Number D-2004-195 and AD Number D-2004-196, both
dated April 23, 2004, also address the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD,
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, 76625 Bruchsal, Germany;
telephone, 49 7257 890; fax, 49 7257 8922. 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, or on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This
is docket number FAA-2004-19959.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 7, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-2765 Filed 2-11-05; 8:45 am]
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