Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG G103 Series Gliders, 8148-8150 [E9-3116]

Download as PDF 8148 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 24, 2009 / Rules and Regulations address in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. After consideration of all relevant matter presented, including the information and recommendation submitted by the Board and other available information, it hereby found that this rule, as hereinafter set forth, will tend to effectuate the declared policy of the Act. It is further found that good cause exists for not postponing the effective date of this rule until 30 days after publication in the Federal Register (5 U.S.C. 553) because handlers are already shipping tart cherries from the 2008– 2009 crop. Further, handlers are aware of this rule, which was recommended at a public meeting. Also, a 30-day comment period was provided for in the proposed rule. No comments were received. List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 930 Marketing agreements, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Tart cherries. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 7 CFR part 930 is amended as follows: ■ PART 930—TART CHERRIES GROWN IN THE STATES OF MICHIGAN, NEW YORK, PENNSYLVANIA, OREGON, UTAH, WASHINGTON, AND WISCONSIN 1. The authority citation for 7 CFR part 930 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. 2. Section 930.256 is added to read as follows: ■ Note: This section will not appear in the annual Code of Federal Regulations. § 930.256 Final free and restricted percentages for the 2008–2009 crop year. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES The final percentages for tart cherries handled by handlers during the crop year beginning on July 1, 2008, which shall be free and restricted, respectively, are designated as follows: Free percentage, 73 percent and restricted percentage, 27 percent. Dated: February 18, 2009. Robert C. Keeney, Acting Associate Administrator. [FR Doc. E9–3849 Filed 2–23–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:27 Feb 23, 2009 Jkt 217001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Federal Aviation Administration Discussion 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–1078 Directorate Identifier 2008–CE–051–AD; Amendment 39–15814; AD 2009–04–08] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT—UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG G103 Series 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 product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob Company that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during a pre-flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an extensive investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided fatigue crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is insignificantly stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably caused by mean stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the limit. The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2009. On March 31, 2009, 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. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 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 9, 2008 (73 FR 59571). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob Company that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during a pre-flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an extensive investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided fatigue crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is insignificantly stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably caused by mean stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the limit. The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider. 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 Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will affect 129 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 workhour per product to comply with basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 24, 2009 / Rules and Regulations Required parts will cost about $15 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $12,255 or $95 per product. 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. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES 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 http: // 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 VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:27 Feb 23, 2009 Jkt 217001 section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. ADDRESSES 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: ■ 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: ■ 2009–04–08 BURKHART GROB LUFT— UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG: Amendment 39–15814; Docket No. FAA–2008–1078; Directorate Identifier 2008–CE–051–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 31, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the following models and serial numbers (SNs) gliders, certificated in any category: (1) G103 TWIN II, SNs 3730 through 3878; (2) G103A TWIN II ACRO, SNs 3730 through 34078 (K); (3) G103C TWIN III ACRO, SNs 34101 through 34203; and (4) G 103 C TWIN III SL, SNs 35001 through 35051. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: ‘‘The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob Company that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during a pre-flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an extensive investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided fatigue crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is insignificantly stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably caused by mean stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the limit. ‘‘The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider.’’ PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 8149 The MCAI requires replacement of bolt LN9037–M6x60 from the airbrake bell crank 103B–4437 with a new bolt with a new locking nut and tightening the bolt to a specific torque; check of all parts of the airbrake bell crank and the attachment parts for any damage and replacement of any damaged parts; check of the airbrake locking force of the left-hand and right-hand wing for a specific force value range and that the locking is clearly noticeable; and check of the airbrake locking force at the operating lever in the front cockpit with the wings rigged for a specific force value range. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, within 60 days after March 31, 2009 (the effective date of this AD), do the following actions following Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 315–76/1 and No. 869–27/1 (same document), dated June 23, 2008: (1) Remove bolt LN9037–M6x60 from the airbrake bell crank 103B–4437 and install a new bolt LN9037–M6x60 with the new locking nut LN9348–M6 and torque the bolt to 6.4 Nm (4.7 lbs.ft). (2) Inspect all parts of the airbrake bell crank including the attachment parts for any damage and, before further flight, replace any damaged parts. (3) Inspect the airbrake locking force of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) wing using a spring balance. The force must be equal for the LH and RH wing (guidance value: 10 ± 2 daN, (22.5 ± 4.5 lbs)) and the locking must be clearly noticeable. (4) Inspect the airbrake locking force at the operating lever in the front cockpit with the wings rigged. The guidance value is 10 ± 2 daN, (22.5 ± 4.5 lbs). It must not exceed 15– 20 daN (33.7–45.0 lbs). FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1 8150 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 35 / Tuesday, February 24, 2009 / Rules and Regulations 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 Federal Republic of Germany Luftfahrt-Bundesamt AD D–2008– 231, dated July 11, 2008; and AD D–2008– 232, dated July 11, 2008; and Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 315–76/1 and No. 869–27/1 (same document), dated June 23, 2008, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 315–76/1 and No. 869–27/ 1 (same document), dated June 23, 2008, 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 GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D–86874 TussenhausenMattsies, Germany; telephone: + 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: + 011 49 8268 998200; Email: productsupport@grob-aerospace.de; Internet: https://www.grob-aerospace.net. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329–3768. (4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD 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/ code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_ locations.html. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2008–0736; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–102–AD; Amendment 39–15804; AD 2009–03–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC–9–14, DC–9–15, and DC–9–15F Airplanes; and Model DC–9–20, DC–9–30, DC–9–40, and DC– 9–50 Series Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with RULES Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2009. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–3116 Filed 2–23–09; 8:45 am] SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes listed above. This AD requires installing a dam assembly for the container of the fuel boost pump of the center tank located in the right main tank, and doing the related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent the center tank fuel boost pump from operating in a fuel vapor zone and becoming a potential ignition source in the right main tank, potentially resulting in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: This AD is effective March 31, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 31, 2009. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, MC D800–0019, Long Beach, California 90846–0001; telephone 206–544–5000, extension 2; fax 206–766–5683; e-mail dse.boecom@boeing.com; Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.com. 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, VerDate Nov<24>2008 16:27 Feb 23, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William S. Bond, Aerospace Engineer, Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 627–5253; fax (562) 627–5210. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2008 (73 FR 44937). That NPRM proposed to require installing a dam assembly for the container of the fuel boost pump of the center tank located in the right main tank, and doing the related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comment received. Request for Service Bulletin Validation Northwest Airlines (NWA) has concerns that Boeing Service Bulletin DC9–28–216, dated March 18, 2008, has not been fully validated on an airplane. NWA states that the referenced service bulletin specifies that the identified change was completed on an airplane having fuselage number 807, before the initial release of the service bulletin. However, although accomplishment of the referenced service bulletin was started on that airplane (for a NWA airplane), it was determined that the fuel line hardware specified in the service bulletin is incorrect, and the actions could not be accomplished. NWA has contacted Boeing regarding the problem, and adds that, as written, the referenced service bulletin cannot be accomplished. NWA recommends that the service bulletin be validated prior to release of the AD. We acknowledge the commenter’s concern but we do not agree that Boeing Service Bulletin DC9–28–216, dated March 18, 2008, cannot be accomplished. The manufacturer has informed us that the fuel line hardware specified in Boeing Service Bulletin DC9–28–216, dated March 18, 2008, is correct. During validation of the service bulletin on the airplane having fuselage number 807, the identified problem was E:\FR\FM\24FER1.SGM 24FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 24, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8148-8150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-3116]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1078 Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-051-AD; 
Amendment 39-15814; AD 2009-04-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH 
& CO KG G103 Series 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 product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob Company 
that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during a pre-
flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an extensive 
investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided fatigue 
crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is insignificantly 
stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably caused by mean 
stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the limit.
    The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are 
intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in 
airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the 
same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider.

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

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 31, 2009.
    On March 31, 2009, 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 9, 2008 (73 
FR 59571). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob Company 
that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during a pre-
flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an extensive 
investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided fatigue 
crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is insignificantly 
stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably caused by mean 
stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the limit.
    The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are 
intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in 
airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the 
same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider.

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

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD will 
affect 129 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will 
take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with basic requirements of 
this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.

[[Page 8149]]

Required parts will cost about $15 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. 
operators to be $12,255 or $95 per product.

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 http: //
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:

2009-04-08 BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG: Amendment 
39-15814; Docket No. FAA-2008-1078; Directorate Identifier 2008-CE-
051-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 
31, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following models and serial numbers 
(SNs) gliders, certificated in any category:
    (1) G103 TWIN II, SNs 3730 through 3878;
    (2) G103A TWIN II ACRO, SNs 3730 through 34078 (K);
    (3) G103C TWIN III ACRO, SNs 34101 through 34203; and
    (4) G 103 C TWIN III SL, SNs 35001 through 35051.

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    ``The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt received a report from the Grob 
Company that a bolt in the airbrake control was found failed during 
a pre-flight inspection on a G 103C TWIN III ACRO. During an 
extensive investigation (metallurgical investigation) a double sided 
fatigue crack was found as root cause. As the bolt is 
insignificantly stressed by cyclic bending the crack was probably 
caused by mean stress supported by a bolt torque exceeding the 
limit.
    ``The actions specified by this airworthiness directive are 
intended to prevent further bolt cracking which can result in 
airbrake as well as elevator failure (elevator control is on the 
same pedestal) and reduced controllability of the power glider.''

The MCAI requires replacement of bolt LN9037-M6x60 from the airbrake 
bell crank 103B-4437 with a new bolt with a new locking nut and 
tightening the bolt to a specific torque; check of all parts of the 
airbrake bell crank and the attachment parts for any damage and 
replacement of any damaged parts; check of the airbrake locking 
force of the left-hand and right-hand wing for a specific force 
value range and that the locking is clearly noticeable; and check of 
the airbrake locking force at the operating lever in the front 
cockpit with the wings rigged for a specific force value range.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 60 days after March 31, 2009 
(the effective date of this AD), do the following actions following 
Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 315-76/1 and No. 869-27/1 
(same document), dated June 23, 2008:
    (1) Remove bolt LN9037-M6x60 from the airbrake bell crank 103B-
4437 and install a new bolt LN9037-M6x60 with the new locking nut 
LN9348-M6 and torque the bolt to 6.4 Nm (4.7 lbs.ft).
    (2) Inspect all parts of the airbrake bell crank including the 
attachment parts for any damage and, before further flight, replace 
any damaged parts.
    (3) Inspect the airbrake locking force of the left-hand (LH) and 
right-hand (RH) wing using a spring balance. The force must be equal 
for the LH and RH wing (guidance value: 10  2 daN, (22.5 
 4.5 lbs)) and the locking must be clearly noticeable.
    (4) Inspect the airbrake locking force at the operating lever in 
the front cockpit with the wings rigged. The guidance value is 10 
 2 daN, (22.5  4.5 lbs). It must not exceed 
15-20 daN (33.7-45.0 lbs).

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

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

[[Page 8150]]

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 Federal Republic of Germany Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt AD D-2008-231, dated July 11, 2008; and AD D-2008-232, 
dated July 11, 2008; and Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 
315-76/1 and No. 869-27/1 (same document), dated June 23, 2008, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Grob Aerospace Service Bulletin No. MSB 315-76/
1 and No. 869-27/1 (same document), dated June 23, 2008, 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 GROB 
Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-
Mattsies, Germany; telephone: + 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: + 011 
49 8268 998200; E-mail: productsupport@grob-aerospace.de; Internet: 
https://www.grob-aerospace.net.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the 
Central Region, call (816) 329-3768.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD 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/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 6, 2009.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E9-3116 Filed 2-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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