Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries, a.s. (Type Certificate No. G24EU Formerly Held by LETECKÉ ZÁVODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L-13 Blanik Gliders, 67841-67843 [E7-23222]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 231 / Monday, December 3, 2007 / Rules and Regulations incentive still exist. For example, an agency may terminate a retention incentive when there are insufficient funds to continue the planned retention incentive payments. (5) An authorized agency official must terminate a retention incentive authorization when no service agreement is required when— (i) The employee is demoted or separated for cause (i.e., for unacceptable performance or conduct), or (ii) The employee receives a rating of record (or an official performance appraisal or evaluation under a system not covered by 5 U.S.C. chapter 43 or 5 CFR part 430) of less than ‘‘Fully Successful’’ or equivalent. (g) The termination of a retention incentive service agreement or the reduction or termination of a retention incentive under this section is not grievable or appealable. (h) If an agency terminates a retention incentive service agreement or reduces or terminates a retention incentive paid without a service agreement under this section, the agency must notify the employee in writing. When a retention incentive is terminated under paragraph (f) of this section, the employee is entitled to receive any scheduled incentive payments through the end of the pay period in which the written notice is provided or until the date of separation, if sooner. Subpart D—Supervisory Differentials 21. In § 575.402, revise paragraph (b) to read as follows: I § 575.402 Delegation of authority. * * * * * (b) A supervisory differential may not be paid on the basis of supervising a civilian employee whose rate of basic pay exceeds the maximum rate of basic pay established for grade GS–15 on the pay schedule applicable to the GS supervisor, including a schedule for any applicable special rate under 5 CFR part 530, subpart C; locality-based comparability payment under 5 CFR part 531, subpart F; or similar payment or supplement under other legal authority. * * * * * I 22. In § 575.403, revise the definition of rate of basic pay to read as follows: yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES § 575.403 Definitions. * * * * * Rate of basic pay means the rate of pay fixed by law or administrative action for the position to which the employee is or will be appointed before deductions and including any special VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:39 Nov 30, 2007 Jkt 214001 rate under 5 CFR part 530, subpart C; locality-based comparability payment under 5 CFR part 531, subpart F; or similar payment or supplement under other legal authority, but excluding additional pay of any other kind. For example, rate of basic pay excludes a night differential under 5 U.S.C. 5343(f), an environment differential under 5 U.S.C. 5343(c)(4), or a similar payment under other legal authority. * * * * * I 23. Revise § 575.405(d)(1) to read as follows: § 575.405 Calculation and payment of supervisory differential. * * * * * (d) * * * (1) Basic pay, excluding a night or environmental differential under 5 U.S.C. 5343(f) or 5343(c)(4), respectively, or similar payment under other legal authority; * * * * * Subpart E—Extended Assignment Incentives 24. In § 575.502, revise the first sentence in the definition of rate of basic pay to read as follows: I § 575.502 Definitions. * * * * * Rate of basic pay means the rate of pay fixed by law or administrative action for the position held by an employee, including any special rate under 5 CFR part 530, subpart C; locality-based comparability payment under 5 CFR part 531, subpart F; or similar payment under other legal authority, but before deductions and exclusive of additional pay of any other kind. * * * * * * * * I 25. In § 575.513— I A. Revise paragraph (b) introductory text, I B. Revise paragraph (c)(1), I C. Remove the last sentence in paragraph (f), and I D. Add a new paragraph (g). The revisions and addition read as follows: § 575.513 What are the agency’s and the employee’s obligations when an employee fails to fulfill the terms of a service agreement? * * * * * (b) Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, an employee is indebted to the Federal Government and must repay the paying agency for an appropriate portion of an extended PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 67841 assignment incentive received by the employee if— * * * * * (c)(1) If an employee does not fulfill the terms of a service agreement under the circumstances prescribed in paragraph (b) of this section and has received incentive payments whose value as a percentage of the planned total sum of incentive payments for the entire service period exceeds the percentage reflecting the portion of the service period completed by the employee, he or she must repay the excess payment and any additional repayment penalty imposed by the agency under paragraph (e) of this section, except when an authorized agency official waives the requirement to repay the excess amount under paragraph (g) of this section. * * * * * (g) If an employee received extended assignment incentive payments in excess of the amount that would be attributable to the completed portion of the service period under paragraph (c) of this section, an authorized agency official may waive the requirement to repay the excess amount when, in the judgment of the official, collection of the excess amount would be against equity and good conscience and not in the best interest of the United States. [FR Doc. E7–23411 Filed 11–30–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325–39–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28980 Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–071–AD; Amendment 39–15282; AD 2007–25–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries, a.s. (Type Certificate No. ´ G24EU Formerly Held by LETECKE ´ ZAVODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L–13 Blanik Gliders Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final Rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation E:\FR\FM\03DER1.SGM 03DER1 67842 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 231 / Monday, December 3, 2007 / Rules and Regulations product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery of cracks on L13 BLANIK sailplanes in zones where the forward and aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as ‘‘control bridge’’ in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the sailplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective January 7, 2008. On January 7, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Greg Davison, Glider Program Manager, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4130; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Discussion yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2007 (72 FR 56700). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery of cracks on L13 BLANIK sailplanes in zones where the forward and aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as ‘‘control bridge’’ in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the sailplane. For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection of the control bridge to detect cracks and replacement, if necessary. In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft Maintenance Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the control bridge. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:39 Nov 30, 2007 Jkt 214001 received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. products identified in this rulemaking action. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. We 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 190 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 2 workhours per product to comply with basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $30,400 or $160 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $2,000, for a cost of $2,560 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. Authority for This Rulemaking 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 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Regulatory Findings Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: I PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: I 2007–25–01 Aircraft Industries, a.s. (Type Certificate No. G24EU formerly held by ´ ´ Letecke Zavody a.s. and LET E:\FR\FM\03DER1.SGM 03DER1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 231 / Monday, December 3, 2007 / Rules and Regulations Aeronautical Works): Amendment 39– 15282; Docket No. FAA–2007–28980; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–071–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 7, 2008. Other FAA AD Provisions Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model L–13 Blanik gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery of cracks on L13 Blanik sailplanes in zones where the forward and aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as ‘‘control bridge’’ in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the sailplane. For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection of the control bridge to detect cracks and replacement, if necessary. In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft Maintenance Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the control bridge. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within the next 3 months after January 7, 2008 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the control bridge for cracks. Follow the procedures in LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, except use a 10X magnifier and do a dye penetrant inspection following the procedures in chapter 5, section 5, of FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13–1B CHG 1, dated September 27, 2001. (2) If cracks are found during any inspection in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, install a new control bridge Dwg. No. (part number (P/N)) A740 370 N or Dwg. No. (P/N) A401 001N following the procedures in LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007. yshivers on PROD1PC62 with RULES FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: (1) The service information requires a visual inspection with a 6X magnifier. We are requiring a dye penetrant inspection and a 10X magnifier to detect cracks that could go undetected using only a 6X magnifier. (2) The MCAI requires updating the maintenance manuals to add ‘‘type A based’’ repetitive inspections of the control bridge. Since the maintenance manual is only one VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:39 Nov 30, 2007 Jkt 214001 way of establishing a maintenance program, the only way we can mandate these repetitive inspections is through an AD action. (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Glider Program Manager, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4130; fax: (816) 329–4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAAapproved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2007–0212, dated August 7, 2007; and LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Aircraft Industries, a.s., Na ´ Zahonech 1177, 686 04 Kunovice, Czech Republic; phone: +420 572 817 660; fax: +420 572 816 112; e-mail: ots@let.cz. (3) You may review copies at the 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/ cfr/ibr-locations.html. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 67843 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 23, 2007. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–23222 Filed 11–30–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27532 Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–021–AD; Amendment 39–15281; AD 2007–24–15] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P–180 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final Rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: One P 180 aircraft experienced a jamming of its longitudinal flight control cables. Investigations revealed that its fuselage drain holes were plugged, and water was trapped in the lower fuselage. As a consequence of plugged drain holes, water can accumulate and freeze when the aircraft reaches and holds altitudes where temperature is below the freezing point. If not corrected this may cause the loss of control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective January 7, 2008. On January 7, 2008 the Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, E:\FR\FM\03DER1.SGM 03DER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 231 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67841-67843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23222]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28980 Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-071-AD; 
Amendment 39-15282; AD 2007-25-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries, a.s. (Type 
Certificate No. G24EU Formerly Held by LETECK[Eacute] Z[Aacute]VODY 
a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L-13 Blanik Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final Rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation

[[Page 67842]]

product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
of cracks on L13 BLANIK sailplanes in zones where the forward and 
aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as 
``control bridge'' in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to 
failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the 
sailplane.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 7, 2008.
    On January 7, 2008, the Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this 
AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 
20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Davison, Glider Program Manager, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 4, 2007 (72 
FR 56700). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
of cracks on L13 BLANIK sailplanes in zones where the forward and 
aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as 
``control bridge'' in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to 
failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the 
sailplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection 
of the control bridge to detect cracks and replacement, if 
necessary. In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the 
control bridge.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 190 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is 
$80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $30,400 or $160 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 7 work-hours and require parts costing $2,000, for a cost of 
$2,560 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    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 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

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 FAA amends 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 adding the following new AD:

2007-25-01 Aircraft Industries, a.s. (Type Certificate No. G24EU 
formerly held by Letecke Zavody a.s. and LET

[[Page 67843]]

Aeronautical Works): Amendment 39-15282; Docket No. FAA-2007-28980; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-071-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
7, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model L-13 Blanik gliders, all serial 
numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery 
of cracks on L13 Blanik sailplanes in zones where the forward and 
aft control sticks are attached to the connecting rod, designated as 
``control bridge'' in the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues 
(IPC). If left uncorrected, cracks could propagate and lead to 
failure of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of the 
sailplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection 
of the control bridge to detect cracks and replacement, if 
necessary. In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the 
control bridge.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 3 months after January 7, 2008 (the 
effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 12 months, inspect the control bridge for cracks. 
Follow the procedures in LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory 
Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, except use a 10X 
magnifier and do a dye penetrant inspection following the procedures 
in chapter 5, section 5, of FAA Advisory Circular AC 43.13-1B CHG 1, 
dated September 27, 2001.
    (2) If cracks are found during any inspection in paragraph 
(f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, install a new control 
bridge Dwg. No. (part number (P/N)) A740 370 N or Dwg. No. (P/N) 
A401 001N following the procedures in LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. 
Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:

    (1) The service information requires a visual inspection with a 
6X magnifier. We are requiring a dye penetrant inspection and a 10X 
magnifier to detect cracks that could go undetected using only a 6X 
magnifier.
    (2) The MCAI requires updating the maintenance manuals to add 
``type A based'' repetitive inspections of the control bridge. Since 
the maintenance manual is only one way of establishing a maintenance 
program, the only way we can mandate these repetitive inspections is 
through an AD action.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Glider Program Manager, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2007-0212, dated August 7, 2007; and LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. 
Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory 
Bulletin MB No.: L13 / 105a, dated May 22, 2007, to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Aircraft Industries, a.s., Na Z[aacute]honech 1177, 686 04 Kunovice, 
Czech Republic; phone: +420 572 817 660; fax: +420 572 816 112; e-
mail: ots@let.cz.
    (3) You may review copies at the 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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-
register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 23, 2007.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-23222 Filed 11-30-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.