Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type Certificate G60EU Previously Held by LETECKÉ ZÁVODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L 23 Super Blanik Sailplane, 64282-64284 [E8-25661]
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dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
64282
Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Proposed Rules
integrated Information Technology
systems) of AN manufacturers,
distributors, sellers, and end-users.
c. Comments regarding DHS
distribution of AN registration letters or
certificates (e.g., whether DHS should
use email or regular mail).
d. Comments regarding a verification
process for registrations and AN
purchases, including methods for
verifying the identity of any AN
purchaser, as well as the identity of
designated agents purchasing AN on
behalf of registered AN purchasers.
e. Comments on the detonability of
AN at certain concentrations, including
research being conducted concerning
the detonability of AN.
f. Comments on how likely AN
fertilizer users would be to use an
alternative fertilizer that is potentially
less detonable, such as, for example,
Sulf-N 26 Fertilizer Process and
Product (ammonium sulfate nitrate
fertilizer) which DHS recently
‘‘designated’’ as a Qualified AntiTerrorism Technology (QATT) pursuant
to 6 U.S.C. 441–444 (the Support Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective
Technologies Act of 2002, or SAFETY
Act). See https://www.safetyact.gov.
g. Comments on how best to conduct
or oversee regulatory compliance
inspections and audits of AN facilities’
records to ensure that regulated
facilities are properly maintaining
records, to monitor compliance with the
requirements of Section 563, and to
deter or prevent misappropriation of AN
for terrorist acts.
h. Comments on the economic
impacts (both long-term and short-term,
quantifiable and qualitative) of the
implementation of section 563,
including potential impacts on State,
local, and tribal governments of the
United States; potential impacts on agribusiness, including AN manufacturers,
importers, packagers, distributors,
retailers, and end-users including
farmers (e.g., whether current AN
purchasers would likely reduce their
AN purchases as a result of a new
regulatory regime); and potential
impacts on small businesses.
i. Comments on the monetary and
other costs anticipated to be incurred by
U.S. citizens and others as a result of the
new compliance requirements, such as
the costs in time and money that an
individual may incur to obtain an AN
registration. These costs may or may not
be quantifiable and may include actual
monetary outlays, transitional costs
incurred to obtain alternative
documents, and the costs that will be
incurred in connection with potential
delays at the point of sale.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:29 Oct 28, 2008
Jkt 214001
j. Comments on a possible fee
structure to address some or all of the
costs of this new program, such as
registration, TSDB checks, and issuance
of registration numbers.
k. Comments on the benefits of this
rulemaking.
l. Comments on any alternative
methods of complying with the
legislation.
m. Comments on the best methods or
processes for interacting with state and
local governments regarding AN
security.
Michael Chertoff,
Secretary of Homeland Security, Department
of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. E8–25821 Filed 10–28–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410–10–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1138; Directorate
Identifier 2008–CE–059–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft
Industries a.s. (Type Certificate G60EU
´ ´
Previously Held by LETECKE ZAVODY
a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works)
Model L 23 Super Blanik Sailplane
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated 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:
SUMMARY:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
prompted by the discovery on L 23 SUPER–
BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where
the front and aft control levers attach the
connecting rod designated as ‘‘control
bridge’’ on the relevant Illustrated Parts
Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected cracks
could propagate and lead to the breakage of
the connecting rod with subsequent loss of
control of the sailplane.
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by November 28,
2008.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
ADDRESSES:
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 this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg
Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106;
telephone: (816) 329–4130; fax: (816)
329–4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–20**–****; Directorate Identifier
2008–CE–059–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Proposed Rules
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD No.
2007–0261, dated October 2, 2007
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is
prompted by the discovery on L 23 SUPER–
BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where
the front and aft control levers attach the
connecting rod designated as ‘‘control
bridge’’ on the relevant Illustrated Parts
Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected cracks
could propagate and lead to the breakage of
the connecting rod with subsequent loss of
control of the sailplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires an inspection for cracks of the
control bridge and its replacement, as
necessary. In addition, this AD requires an
update of the aircraft Maintenance Manual
(MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of
the control bridge.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. has
issued Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/
050a Revision No. 2, dated September
12, 2007. The actions described in this
service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified
in the MCAI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, they have notified us
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed
different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA
policies. Any such differences are
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:29 Oct 28, 2008
Jkt 214001
highlighted in a NOTE within the
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
will affect 105 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $80 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $16,800, 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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
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
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
64283
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA 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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type Certificate
´
G60EU previously held by LETECKE
´
ZAVODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical
Works): Docket No. FAA–2008–1138;
Directorate Identifier 2008–CE–059–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by
November 28, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model L 23 Super
Blanik sailplanes, 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 on L 23 SUPER–
BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where
the front and aft control levers attach the
connecting rod designated as ‘‘control
bridge’’ on the relevant Illustrated Parts
Catalogues (IPC). If left uncorrected cracks
could propagate and lead to the breakage of
the connecting rod with subsequent loss of
control of the sailplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires an inspection for cracks of the
control bridge and its replacement, as
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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 210 / Wednesday, October 29, 2008 / Proposed Rules
(1) Within the next 3 months after the
effective date of this AD and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12
months, visually inspect the control bridge in
areas of juncture with the two control sticks
for cracks. Do the inspection following
paragraph A of LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 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 in the control bridge
bedding during any inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further
flight, replace the defective control bridge
bedding, Dwg. No. A740 371N, in the control
bridge assembly, Dwg. No. A740 370N,
following LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007;
and Appendix No. 1, ‘‘Replacement of
Bearings 608 CSN 024630 at Control Bridge
Dwg. No. A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No.
A740 371N,’’ to LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007.
(3) Doing the replacement required in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD terminates the 12month repetitive inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. After the
replacement required in paragraph (f)(2) of
this AD, perform subsequent inspections on
the new control bridge assembly according to
LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Documentation
Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August 6,
2007.
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. 2007–0261,
dated October 2, 2007; LET Aircraft
Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.
L23/050a Revision No. 2, dated September
12, 2007; Appendix No. 1, ‘‘Replacement of
Bearings 608 CSN 024630 at Control Bridge
Dwg. No. A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No.
A740 371N,’’ to LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007;
and LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d,
dated August 6, 2007, for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
October 21, 2008.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E8–25661 Filed 10–28–08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
FAA AD Differences
dwashington3 on PRODPC61 with PROPOSALS
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 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, Aerospace Engineer,
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 sailplane 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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:29 Oct 28, 2008
Jkt 214001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2008–1117; Directorate
Identifier 2008–NM–106–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 727 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Boeing Model 727 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require inspections
for cracking of the left- and right-side
shear ties and web posts of the kickload
beam and the adjacent structure in the
vertical stabilizer, and corrective actions
if necessary. This proposed AD results
from a report of cracking of the left- and
right-side web posts and shear ties of
the kickload beam. We are proposing
this AD to detect and correct cracking of
the left- and right-side web posts and
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
shear ties of the kickload beam, which,
when coupled with failures in the
adjacent structure, could result in
structural failure of the vertical
stabilizer, and loss of control of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 15,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Berhane Alazar, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6577; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2008–1117; Directorate Identifier
2008–NM–106–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
E:\FR\FM\29OCP1.SGM
29OCP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 210 (Wednesday, October 29, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64282-64284]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-25661]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1138; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-059-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type
Certificate G60EU Previously Held by LETECK[Eacute] Z[Aacute]VODY a.s.
and LET Aeronautical Works) Model L 23 Super Blanik Sailplane
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of
the sailplane.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 28,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-20**-****;
Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-059-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent
[[Page 64283]]
for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No.
2007-0261, dated October 2, 2007 (referred to after this as ``the
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The
MCAI states:
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is prompted by the discovery
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of
the sailplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection
for cracks of the control bridge and its replacement, as necessary.
In addition, this AD requires an update of the aircraft Maintenance
Manual (MM) to incorporate repetitive inspections of the control
bridge.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. has issued Mandatory Bulletin MB No.
L23/050a Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007. The actions
described in this service information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Differences Between This Proposed 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 proposed 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 proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 105 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $16,800, 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 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
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 regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA 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 AD:
Aircraft Industries a.s. (Type Certificate G60EU previously held by
LETECK[Eacute] Z[Aacute]VODY a.s. and LET Aeronautical Works):
Docket No. FAA-2008-1138; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-059-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by November 28, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model L 23 Super Blanik sailplanes, 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
on L 23 SUPER-BLANIK sailplanes of cracks in zones where the front
and aft control levers attach the connecting rod designated as
``control bridge'' on the relevant Illustrated Parts Catalogues
(IPC). If left uncorrected cracks could propagate and lead to the
breakage of the connecting rod with subsequent loss of control of
the sailplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires an inspection
for cracks of the control bridge and its replacement, as 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:
[[Page 64284]]
(1) Within the next 3 months after the effective date of this AD
and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months,
visually inspect the control bridge in areas of juncture with the
two control sticks for cracks. Do the inspection following paragraph
A of LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/
050a Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 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 in the control bridge bedding during any
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further
flight, replace the defective control bridge bedding, Dwg. No. A740
371N, in the control bridge assembly, Dwg. No. A740 370N, following
LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a
Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; and Appendix No. 1,
``Replacement of Bearings 608 CSN 024630 at Control Bridge Dwg. No.
A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No. A740 371N,'' to LET Aircraft
Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a Revision No. 2,
dated September 12, 2007.
(3) Doing the replacement required in paragraph (f)(2) of this
AD terminates the 12-month repetitive inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. After the replacement required in
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, perform subsequent inspections on the
new control bridge assembly according to LET Aircraft Industries,
a.s. Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August 6, 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
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, Aerospace Engineer, 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 sailplane 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.
2007-0261, dated October 2, 2007; LET Aircraft Industries, a.s.
Mandatory Bulletin MB No. L23/050a Revision No. 2, dated September
12, 2007; Appendix No. 1, ``Replacement of Bearings 608 CSN 024630
at Control Bridge Dwg. No. A740 370N in a Bedding Dwg. No. A740
371N,'' to LET Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.
L23/050a Revision No. 2, dated September 12, 2007; and LET Aircraft
Industries, a.s. Documentation Bulletin No.: L23/020 d, dated August
6, 2007, for related information.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 21, 2008.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-25661 Filed 10-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
