Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III Gliders, 23194-23196 [2010-9954]

Download as PDF 23194 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 84 / Monday, May 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS IV. Public Participation DOE considers public participation to be a very important part of the process for setting energy conservation standards. DOE actively encourages the participation and interaction of the public during the comment period at each stage of the rulemaking process. Beginning with the NOPM, and during each subsequent public meeting and comment period, interactions with and between members of the public provide a balanced discussion of the issues to assist DOE in the standards rulemaking process. Accordingly, DOE encourages those who wish to participate in the public meeting to obtain the framework document from DOE’s Web site and to be prepared to discuss its contents. However, public meeting participants need not limit their comments to the topics identified in the framework document. DOE is also interested in receiving views and information concerning other relevant issues that participants believe would affect energy conservation standards for these products or that DOE should address in the NOPR. Furthermore, DOE welcomes all interested parties, regardless of whether they participate in the public meeting, to submit in writing by June 17, 2010, comments and information on matters addressed in the framework document and on other matters relevant to consideration of standards for the exempt IRLs. The public meeting will be conducted in an informal, conference style. A court reporter will be present to record the minutes of the meeting. There shall be no discussion of proprietary information, costs or prices, market shares, or other commercial matters regulated by United States antitrust laws. After the public meeting and the expiration of the period for submitting written statements, DOE will consider all comments and additional information that is obtained from interested parties or through further analyses, and it will prepare a NOPR which will be published in the Federal Register. The NOPR will include proposed energy conservation standards for the products covered by the rulemaking, and members of the public will be given an opportunity to submit written and oral comments on the proposed standards. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:30 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 220001 Issued in Washington, DC, on April 23, 2010. Cathy Zoi, Assistant Secretary, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. [FR Doc. 2010–10104 Filed 4–30–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6450–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0458; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–023–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; GROB– WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III Gliders 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: During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS. The investigation has shown that the hosefuselage connection bonding has been degraded over years of service. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following consequences: —The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the fuselage and fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the sailplane centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability, or/and —The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability. 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 June 17, 2010. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 • 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–2010–0458; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–023–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 for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA AD No.: 2010–0053R1, dated April 14, 2010 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 84 / Monday, May 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS. The investigation has shown that the hosefuselage connection bonding has been degraded over years of service. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following consequences: —The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the fuselage and fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the sailplane centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability, or/and —The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability. For the reason stated above, the original issue of this AD required the inspection of the waterballast system hose-fuselage connections and the accomplishment of the relevant corrective actions (repair) as necessary. This AD is revised to clarify the purpose of the insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme and to refer to a more appropriate scheduled maintenance review for the insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme. 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. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Authority for This Rulemaking Relevant Service Information GROB Aircraft AG has issued Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB– GROB–003, dated October 21, 2009. 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 emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:30 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 220001 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 113 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $9,605, or $85 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $5, for a cost of $90 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. 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: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 23195 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG: Docket No. FAA–2010–0458; Directorate Identifier 2010–CE–023–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by June 17, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III gliders, all serial numbers, that are: (1) Certificated in any category; and (2) Have water ballast equipment installed (the water ballast equipment could have been included as part of an option). Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 41: Water Ballast. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS. The investigation has shown that the hosefuselage connection bonding has been degraded over years of service. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following consequences: —The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the fuselage and E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1 23196 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 84 / Monday, May 3, 2010 / Proposed Rules fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the sailplane centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability, or/and —The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability. For the reason stated above, the original issue of this AD required the inspection of the waterballast system hose-fuselage connections and the accomplishment of the relevant corrective actions (repair) as necessary. This AD is revised to clarify the purpose of the insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme and to refer to a more appropriate scheduled maintenance review for the insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the bonding between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors for correct and tight connection following paragraph 1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB–GROB–003, dated October 21, 2009. (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) of this AD, any weak bonding is found, before further flight, repair the connection between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors following the instructions of paragraph 1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB–GROB–003, dated October 21, 2009. (3) After the effective date of this AD, when installing a water ballast system on any affected sailplane, ensure that the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connector are properly and tightly bonded. (4) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the following scheduled maintenance task into the FAA-approved aircraft maintenance program: ‘‘During each annual inspection and without exceeding a 12-month interval, inspect the bonding between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors for correct and tight connection. Repair any incorrect or loose connection.’’ FAA AD Differences emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with PROPOSALS 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, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:30 Apr 30, 2010 Jkt 220001 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 AD No.: 2010–0053R1, dated April 14, 2010; and Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB–GROB–003, dated October 21, 2009, for related information. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 22, 2010. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–9954 Filed 4–30–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Part 62 RIN 1400–AC56 [Public Notice: 6982] Exchange Visitor Program—Secondary School Students Department of State. Proposed rule with request for comment. AGENCY: ACTION: SUMMARY: The Department of State is proposing to amend existing regulations to impose new program administration requirements within the secondary school student exchange program. These regulations govern Department designated exchange visitor programs under which foreign secondary school students (ages 15–181⁄2) are afforded the opportunity to study in the United States at accredited public or private secondary schools for an academic semester or an academic year while living with American host families or residing at accredited U.S. boarding schools. Specifically, the Department is proposing to amend existing regulations regarding the screening, selection, PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 school enrollment, orientation, and quality assurance monitoring on behalf of student participants; and the screening, selection, orientation, and quality assurance monitoring of host families and field staff. The purpose of this rule is to solicit public comment regarding these proposed changes that are offered to address the need for greater clarity in current existing regulatory language. The Department’s objective is to better protect the health, safety, and welfare of these participants though enhanced clarity of existing regulations. Due to the academic calendar and the screening and selection cycle for the conduct of the Secondary School Student program, the comment period of this proposed rule has been set to 30 days from the date of publication. Concerns regarding the safety and welfare of secondary school student population necessitate a shorter comment period. To provide sponsors with sufficient time to prepare for implementation of changes in program administration to be effective in the academic year 2011/2012, the Department would like to accelerate this rulemaking. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to June 2, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, numbered by topic by any of the following methods: • Persons with access to the Internet may view this notice and provide comments by going to the regulations.gov Web site at: https:// www.regulations.gov/index.cfm. • Mail (paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions): U.S. Department of State, Office of Designation, SA–5, Floor 5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522–0505. • E-mail: JExchanges@state.gov. You must include the title (Exchange Visitor Program—Secondary School Students) and RIN (1400–AC56) in the subject line of your message. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanley S. Colvin, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange, U.S. Department of State, SA–5, Floor 5, 2200 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522–0505; or e-mail at JExchanges@state.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments The Department has identified sixteen areas, as numbered in the Supplementary text of this document. In your response, comments should be numbered to coincide with the sixteen areas. E:\FR\FM\03MYP1.SGM 03MYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 84 (Monday, May 3, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23194-23196]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-9954]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0458; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-023-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 
ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III Gliders

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:

    During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was 
found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS.
    The investigation has shown that the hose-fuselage connection 
bonding has been degraded over years of service.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following 
consequences:

--The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the 
fuselage and fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the 
sailplane centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of 
the sailplane controllability, or/and
--The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and 
consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability.

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 June 17, 2010.

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-2010-0458; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-023-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 for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
AD No.: 2010-0053R1, dated April 14, 2010 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:


[[Page 23195]]


    During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was 
found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS.
    The investigation has shown that the hose-fuselage connection 
bonding has been degraded over years of service.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following 
consequences:

--The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the 
fuselage and fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the 
sailplane centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of 
the sailplane controllability, or/and
--The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and 
consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability.

    For the reason stated above, the original issue of this AD 
required the inspection of the waterballast system hose-fuselage 
connections and the accomplishment of the relevant corrective 
actions (repair) as necessary.
    This AD is revised to clarify the purpose of the insertion of 
the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme and 
to refer to a more appropriate scheduled maintenance review for the 
insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance 
Programme.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    GROB Aircraft AG has issued Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-
GROB-003, dated October 21, 2009. 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 113 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $9,605, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $5, for a cost of $90 
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:

GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG: Docket No. FAA-2010-0458; Directorate 
Identifier 2010-CE-023-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by June 17, 2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD 
ASTIR III gliders, all serial numbers, that are:
    (1) Certificated in any category; and
    (2) Have water ballast equipment installed (the water ballast 
equipment could have been included as part of an option).

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 41: Water 
Ballast.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During an annual inspection, a water ballast hose connector was 
found disconnected from the fuselage wall of an Astir CS.
    The investigation has shown that the hose-fuselage connection 
bonding has been degraded over years of service.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the following 
consequences:

--The water contained in the wing tanks could run down into the 
fuselage and

[[Page 23196]]

fuselage tail which could cause a displacement of the sailplane 
centre of gravity and consequently may lead to the loss of the 
sailplane controllability, or/and
--The loosened hose may jam the flight controls (push rods) and 
consequently may lead to the loss of the sailplane controllability.

    For the reason stated above, the original issue of this AD 
required the inspection of the waterballast system hose-fuselage 
connections and the accomplishment of the relevant corrective 
actions (repair) as necessary.
    This AD is revised to clarify the purpose of the insertion of 
the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance Programme and 
to refer to a more appropriate scheduled maintenance review for the 
insertion of the repetitive inspection in the Aircraft Maintenance 
Programme.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, 
inspect the bonding between the water ballast system hose connectors 
and the fuselage wall connectors for correct and tight connection 
following paragraph 1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-
GROB-003, dated October 21, 2009.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraphs (f)(1) of 
this AD, any weak bonding is found, before further flight, repair 
the connection between the water ballast system hose connectors and 
the fuselage wall connectors following the instructions of paragraph 
1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-GROB-003, dated 
October 21, 2009.
    (3) After the effective date of this AD, when installing a water 
ballast system on any affected sailplane, ensure that the water 
ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connector are 
properly and tightly bonded.
    (4) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert 
the following scheduled maintenance task into the FAA-approved 
aircraft maintenance program: ``During each annual inspection and 
without exceeding a 12-month interval, inspect the bonding between 
the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall 
connectors for correct and tight connection. Repair any incorrect or 
loose connection.''

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, 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 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 AD No.: 2010-
0053R1, dated April 14, 2010; and Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. 
MSB-GROB-003, dated October 21, 2009, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 22, 2010.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-9954 Filed 4-30-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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