[Federal Register: April 21, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 76)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 20710-20713]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21ap05-9]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-65-AD; Amendment 39-14065; AD 2005-08-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-
800B Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (DG Flugzeugbau) Model DG-800B
[[Page 20711]]
sailplanes equipped with a SOLO 2625 engine or a Mid-West AE 50T
engine. This AD requires you to modify the coolant pump and fuel pump
electrical circuits, remove the non-resettable digital engine indicator
(DEI) circuit breaker (4-ampere) and replace with a resettable 5-ampere
circuit breaker, secure (for sailplanes with a SOLO 2625 engine) the
choke butterfly valve axis, install edge protection at the sharp edges
of the resettable 5-ampere DEI circuit breaker, and incorporate changes
in the FAA-approved sailplane flight manual. 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
electrical failure of the fuel and coolant pumps if a non-resettable
circuit breaker trips. This could result in power loss with the
inability to restart the fuel pump during a critical phase of flight
(for example, takeoff under own power).
DATES: This AD becomes effective on June 6, 2005.
As of June 6, 2005, 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 DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, D-76625 Bruchsal, Federal Republic
of Germany; telephone: 011-49 7257-890; facsimile: 011-49 7257-8922.
You may view the AD docket at FAA, Central Region, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-CE-65-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 unsafe condition may exist on DG Flugzeugbau Model DG-800B
sailplanes. The LBA reports both electrical circuits of the fuel pump
and the coolant pump (on a SOLO 2625 engine or a Mid-West AE 50T
engine) are protected by a non-resettable digital engine indicator
(DEI) circuit breaker. The pumps will stop running if the non-
resettable circuit breaker activates.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If a non-
resettable circuit breaker trips, this could result in power loss with
the inability to restart the fuel pump during a critical phase of
flight (for example, takeoff under own power).
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 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (DG
Flugzeugbau) Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a SOLO 2625 engine
or a Mid-West AE 50T engine. This proposal was published in the Federal
Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 12, 2004
(69 FR 19135). The NPRM proposed to require you to modify the coolant
pump and fuel pump electrical circuits, replace the non-resettable
circuit breaker with a resettable circuit breaker, and (for a version
of the Mikuni carburetor) secure the choke butterfly valve axis.
As a result of our further analysis of the service information and
determining that important actions were omitted in the NPRM and should
be incorporated, we issued a supplemental proposal to amend part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that
would apply to all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (DG Flugzeugbau) Model
DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a SOLO 2625 engine or a Mid-West AE
50T engine sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal
Register as a supplemental NPRM on November 8, 2004 (69 FR 64692). The
supplemental NPRM proposed to require you to do the following:
--Modify the coolant pump and fuel pump electrical circuits;
--Remove the non-resettable digital engine indicator (DEI) circuit
breaker (4-ampere) and replace with a resettable 5-ampere circuit
breaker;
--Secure the choke butterfly valve axis that is on the SOLO 2625 engine
(new version Mikuni carburetor);
--Install edge protection at the sharp edges of the resettable 5-ampere
DEI circuit breaker; and
--Incorporate ``Flight Manual'' changes that are listed in the service
information.
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 25 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
modification:
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Total cost
Labor cost Parts cost per Total cost on U.S.
sailplane operators
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6 workhours at $65 per hour = $390........................ $100 $490 25 x $490 = $12,250
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[[Page 20712]]
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 ``AD
Docket No. 2003-CE-65-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:
2005-08-13 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-14065; Docket
No. 2003-CE-65-AD.
When Does This AD Become Effective?
(a) This AD becomes effective on June 6, 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-800B sailplanes, all serial
numbers, that are:
(1) Certificated in any category; and
(2) Equipped with a SOLO 2625 engine or a Mid-West AE 50T
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 prevent
electrical failure of the fuel and coolant pumps if a non-resettable
circuit breaker trips. This could result in power loss with the
inability to restart the fuel pump during a critical phase of flight
(for example, takeoff under own power).
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) Modify the coolant pump Within the next 50 For sailplanes with
and fuel pump electrical hours time-in- a SOLO 2625 engine:
circuits. service (TIS) after Follow DG
June 6, 2005 (the Flugzeugbau GmbH
effective date of Technical Note No.
this AD), unless 873/26, dated
already done. November 12, 2001;
For sailplanes with
a Mid-West AE 50T
engine: Follow DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH
Technical Note No.
873/27, dated
November 29, 2001.
-----------------------------
(2) Remove the non- Before further For sailplanes with
resettable digital engine flight after the a SOLO 2625 engine:
indicator (DEI) circuit modification of the Follow DG
breaker (4-ampere) and coolant pump and Flugzeugbau GmbH
replace with a resettable 5- fuel pump Technical Note No.
ampere circuit breaker. electrical circuits 873/26, dated
required by November 12, 2001;
paragraph (e)(1) of For sailplanes with
this AD. a Mid-West AE 50T
engine: Follow GD
Flugzeugbau GmbH
Technical Note No.
873/27, dated
November 29, 2001.
-----------------------------
(3) For sailplanes with Before further For sailplanes with
engine SOLO 2625 (New flight after the a SOLO 2625 engine:
version Mikuni carburetor): modificaiton of the Follow DG
Secure the choke butterfly coolant pump and Flugzeugbau GmbH
valve axis. fuel pump Technical Note No.
electrical circuits 873/26, dated
required by November 12, 2001.
paragraph (e)(1) of
this AD and the
removal and
replacement
required by
paragraph (e)(2) of
this AD.
-----------------------------
(4) Install edge protection Before further For sailplanes with
at the sharp edges of the flight after the a SOLO 2625 engine:
resettable 5-ampere DEI modification of the Follow DG
circuit breaker. coolant pump and Flugzeugbau GmbH
fuel pump Technical Note No.
electrical circuits 873/26, dated
required by November 12, 2001;
paragraph (e)(1) of For sailplanes with
this AD and the a Mid-West AE 50T
removal and engine: Follow DG
replacement Flugzeugbau GmbH
required by Technical Note No.
paragraph (e)(2) of 873/27, dated
this AD. November 29, 2001.
-----------------------------
[[Page 20713]]
(5) Incorporate changes in Before further For sailplanes with
the FAA-approved sailplane flight after the a SOLO 2625 engine:
flight manual (SFM). modifications Follow DG
(i) The owner/operator required by Flugzeugbau GmbH
holding at least a private paragraphs (e)(1), Technical Note No.
pilot certificate as (e)(2), (e)(3), and 873/26, dated
authorized by section 43.7 (e)(4) of this AD. November 12, 2001;
of the Federal Aviation For sailplanes with
Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) a Mid-West AE 50T
may do the flight manual engine: Follow DG
changes requirement of this Flugzeugbau GmbH
AD. Technical Note No.
(ii) Make an entry in the 873/27, dated
aircraft records showing November 29, 2001.
compliance with this
portion of the AD following
section 43.9 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 43.9).
-----------------------------
(6) Do not install any SOLO As of June 6, 2005 Not Applicable.
2625 engine or Mid-West AE (the effective date
50T engine unless the of this AD).
modifications required by
paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2),
(e)(3), and (e)(4) of this
AD have been done.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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, 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 873/26, dated
November 12, 2001, and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 873/
27, dated November 29, 2001. 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 DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, D-76625 Bruchsal, Federal
Republic of Germany; telephone: 011-49 7257-890; facsimile: 011-49
7257-8922. You may review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(h) German AD Number 2002-083, dated April 4, 2002, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 12, 2005.
Nancy C. Lane,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7790 Filed 4-20-05; 8:45 am]
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