Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Powered Sailplanes, 32887-32889 [2012-12409]

Download as PDF pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2012 / Rules and Regulations altitude above effective translational lift is 13,000 ft PA,’’ or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD. The term ‘‘hovering’’ as used in this placard includes both IGE and OGE hovering. (B) Revise the Altitude Limitations section of the RFM in accordance with paragraph A.2.3. on page 10 and paragraph 2.8. on page 11 of Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB BK117 C–2–71A–003, Revision 3, dated December 11, 2007 (ASB003). (ii) Within 50 hours TIS, unless accomplished previously: (A) Revise the RFM as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(B) of this AD; and (B) Affix a placard as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) of this AD or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this AD. (iii) At intervals not to exceed 600 hours TIS: (A) Before operating between 16,000 ft PA and 18,000 ft PA, perform the ‘‘MAX N1 CHECK’’ by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on pages 4 and 5), of ASB003. If the OEI rating is not reached, either affix a placard as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(B) or (e)(2)(iii)(C) of this AD. (B) Before operating between 13,000 ft PA and 16,000 ft PA, perform the ‘‘MAX N1 CHECK’’ by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on pages 5 and 6) of ASB003. (1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states: ‘‘Maximum operating altitude is 16,000 ft PA.’’ (2) If the OEI rating is not reached, either affix a placard as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) or comply with paragraph (e)(2)(iii)(C) of this AD. (C) Before operating between 10,000 ft PA and 13,000 ft PA, perform the ‘‘MAX N1 CHECK’’ by following the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3.A.(1) (on page 7) of ASB003. (1) If the OEI rating is reached, affix a placard to the instrument panel in plain view of the pilot(s), which states: ‘‘Maximum operating altitude is 13,000 ft PA.’’ (2) If the OEI rating is not reached, affix a placard as required by paragraph (e)(2)(i)(A) of this AD. (3) If an engine, FCU, engine module 2, or engine module 3 is replaced, before any flight operation at or above a PA of 10,000 feet, comply with the requirements of paragraph (e)(1) of this AD for the Model MBB–BK 117 C–1 helicopter or paragraph (e)(2) of this AD for the Model MBB–BK 117 C–2 helicopter. (4) Modifying both engines with Turbomeca Modification TU 358 in accordance with Turbomeca Groupe SAFRAN (Turbomeca) Service Bulletin No. 292 73 0358, dated October 2, 2007, is optional terminating action for the requirements of this AD. This AD does not require returning any parts to Turbomeca nor does it require that you perform the modification at a specific location. After modifying both engines, remove from the helicopter any placard required by this AD and remove from the RFM the revised altitude limitations and the revised performance pages required by this AD. VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 01, 2012 Jkt 226001 (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Ed Cuevas, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137; telephone (817) 222–5110; email ed.cuevas@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office, before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. 32887 Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 2, 2012. Carlton N. Cochran, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–12672 Filed 6–1–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0324; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–008–AD; Amendment 39–17060; AD 2012–10–11] RIN 2120–AA64 (g) Additional Information The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (Germany) AD No. 2008–0061, dated March 27, 2008. Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Powered Sailplanes (h) Subject AGENCY: Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 1100, Placards and Markings. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) You must use the specified portions of the following service information to do the specified actions required by this AD. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the following service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51: (i) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB–MBB–BK117–60–121, Revision 4, dated December 11, 2007; and (ii) Eurocopter Alert Service Bulletin No. MBB BK117 C–2–71A–003, Revision 3, dated December 11, 2007. (2) You must use the specified portions of Turbomeca Groupe SAFRAN Service Bulletin No. 292 73 0358, dated October 2, 2007 to do the optional terminating action in this AD. 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. (3) For the Eurocopter service information identified in this AD, contact American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053–4005; telephone (800) 232–0323; fax (972) 641–3710; or at https://www.eurocopter.com. For the Turbomeca Groupe SAFRAN service information identified in this AD, contact SAFRAN Turbomeca, 2709 N. Forum Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75052; telephone (800) 662–6322; or at https://www.turbomecausa.com. (4) You may review the referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas 76137 or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B powered sailplanes. 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 excessive corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer, which could cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 9, 2012. 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Grob Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D–86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268 998139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998200; email: productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: https://www.grob-aircraft.eu/. You may review copies of the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 32888 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2012 / Rules and Regulations referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329– 4148. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816) 329–4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. 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 March 23, 2012 (77 FR 16968). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Occurrences have been reported of finding heavily corroded nose plates, part number (P/N) 109–2160.01, in the vertical stabiliser of some Grob G 109 powered sailplanes. The investigation results concluded that the affected aeroplanes were based and operated near the seaside and therefore exposed to a salty environment, causing the excessive corrosion. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the vertical stabilizer nose plate, which functions as a horizontal stabiliser fitting, to support limit loads and consequent loss of control of the aeroplane. For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive inspections and, depending on findings, replacement of the nose plate. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012). VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 01, 2012 Jkt 226001 Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 6 workhours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $424 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $55,106, or $934 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take about 12 work-hours and require parts costing $243, for a cost of $1,263 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: 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: ■ 2012–10–11 Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH: Amendment 39– 17060; Docket No. FAA–2012–0324; Directorate Identifier 2012–CE–008–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 9, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Burkhart GROB Luftund Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B powered sailplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55, Stabilizer. (e) Reason This 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 excessive corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and flaking on the nose E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 107 / Monday, June 4, 2012 / Rules and Regulations plate, which could cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail and result in loss of control of the sailplane. pmangrum on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with RULES (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 3 months after July 9, 2012 (the effective date of this AD): (i) Inspect, from the top, the front and rear side of the nose plate, part number (P/N) 109–2160.01, in the vertical stabilizer for corrosion and flaking following Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817–58, dated November 24, 2011. Repetitively thereafter inspect at intervals not to exceed 12 months. (ii) Install an access panel on the left side of the vertical stabilizer following Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817– 010/1, issue date December 20, 2011, as specified in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817–060, dated November 24, 2011. (iii) Through the access panel installed as required in paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, inspect, from below, the nose plate, P/N 109– 2160.01, for corrosion and flaking following Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817– 58, dated November 24, 2011. Repetitively thereafter inspect at intervals not to exceed 12 months. (2) If any corrosion or flaking is found on the nose plate, P/N 109–2160.01, during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(iii) of this AD, replace P/N 109–2160.01 with a serviceable part. Do the replacement following Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817–009, issue date November 17, 2011, as specified in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817–58, dated November 24, 2011. After replacement, continue with the repetitive inspections required in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD. (g) Other FAA AD Provisions 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: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4165; fax: (816) 329– 4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. 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, a federal VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:10 Jun 01, 2012 Jkt 226001 agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2012–0027, dated February 14, 2012; Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817–58 and Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817–060, both dated November 24, 2011; Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817–009, issue date November 17, 2011; and Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817–010/1, issue date December 20, 2011, for related information. (i) Material Incorporated by Reference (1)You must use the following service information to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the following service information on July 9, 2012: (i) Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817–58, dated November 24, 2011; (ii) Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817–060, dated November 24, 2011; (iii) Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817–009, issue date November 17, 2011; and (iv) Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817–010/1, issue date December 20, 2011. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Grob Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D–86874 TussenhausenMattsies, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268 998139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998200; email: productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet https://www.grob-aircraft.eu/. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at an NARA facility, call 202–741– 6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 32889 Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 16, 2012. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–12409 Filed 6–1–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2011–1320; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–208–AD; Amendment 39–17066; AD 2012–11–03] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by four reports of retaining cross bolt hardware not fully engaged into the fuse pins of the forward trunnion lower housing of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in an incorrect MLG emergency landing break-away sequence. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the fuse pin cross bolts and fuse pins of the left and right MLG forward trunnion lower housing to verify that the cross bolts are correctly installed and that there are no missing fuse pins, and replacement of the fuse pins if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent an incorrect emergency landing MLG break-away sequence, which could result in puncturing of the wing box and consequent fuel leaks and an airplane fire. Failure of the fuse pins could also result in a possible landing gear collapse causing a runway excursion during takeoff or landing. DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2012. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 9, 2012. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65, Seattle, Washington 98124– 2207; phone: 206–544–5000, extension 1; fax: 206–766–5680; email: me.boecom@boeing.com; Internet: https://www.myboeingfleet.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\04JNR1.SGM 04JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 107 (Monday, June 4, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32887-32889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-12409]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0324; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-008-AD; 
Amendment 39-17060; AD 2012-10-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH 
Powered Sailplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 
109B powered sailplanes. 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 excessive 
corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer, which could 
cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail. We are issuing this 
AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 9, 2012.

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 service information identified in this AD, contact Grob 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, 
Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268 998139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998200; 
email: aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: https://www.grob-aircraft.eu/. You may review copies of the

[[Page 32888]]

referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 
901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the 
availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329-4148.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.

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 March 23, 2012 (77 
FR 16968). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Occurrences have been reported of finding heavily corroded nose 
plates, part number (P/N) 109-2160.01, in the vertical stabiliser of 
some Grob G 109 powered sailplanes.
    The investigation results concluded that the affected aeroplanes 
were based and operated near the seaside and therefore exposed to a 
salty environment, causing the excessive corrosion.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the vertical stabilizer nose plate, which functions as a 
horizontal stabiliser fitting, to support limit loads and consequent 
loss of control of the aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires repetitive 
inspections and, depending on findings, replacement of the nose 
plate.

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

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $424 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. 
operators to be $55,106, or $934 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 12 work-hours and require parts costing $243, for a cost of 
$1,263 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 16968, March 23, 
2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 
647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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:

2012-10-11 Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH: Amendment 39-
17060; Docket No. FAA-2012-0324; Directorate Identifier 2012-CE-008-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 9, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models 
GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B powered sailplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55, Stabilizer.

(e) Reason

    This 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 excessive 
corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and flaking on the 
nose

[[Page 32889]]

plate, which could cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail 
and result in loss of control of the sailplane.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within 3 months after July 9, 2012 (the effective date of 
this AD):
    (i) Inspect, from the top, the front and rear side of the nose 
plate, part number (P/N) 109-2160.01, in the vertical stabilizer for 
corrosion and flaking following Part A of the Accomplishment 
Instructions in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817-58, dated 
November 24, 2011. Repetitively thereafter inspect at intervals not 
to exceed 12 months.
    (ii) Install an access panel on the left side of the vertical 
stabilizer following Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 
817-010/1, issue date December 20, 2011, as specified in Grob 
Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817-060, dated November 24, 2011.
    (iii) Through the access panel installed as required in 
paragraph (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, inspect, from below, the nose 
plate, P/N 109-2160.01, for corrosion and flaking following Part B 
of the Accomplishment Instructions in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin 
No. MSB817-58, dated November 24, 2011. Repetitively thereafter 
inspect at intervals not to exceed 12 months.
    (2) If any corrosion or flaking is found on the nose plate, P/N 
109-2160.01, during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) 
or (f)(1)(iii) of this AD, replace P/N 109-2160.01 with a 
serviceable part. Do the replacement following Grob Aircraft Repair 
Instruction Doc. No. RI 817-009, issue date November 17, 2011, as 
specified in Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817-58, dated 
November 24, 2011. After replacement, continue with the repetitive 
inspections required in paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (f)(1)(iii) of this 
AD.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov. 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, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2012-0027, dated February 14, 2012; Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin 
No. MSB817-58 and Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817-060, 
both dated November 24, 2011; Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. 
No. RI 817-009, issue date November 17, 2011; and Grob Aircraft 
Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817-010/1, issue date December 20, 
2011, for related information.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1)You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference (IBR) under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 of the 
following service information on July 9, 2012:
    (i) Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB817-58, dated November 
24, 2011;
    (ii) Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB 817-060, dated 
November 24, 2011;
    (iii) Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817-009, 
issue date November 17, 2011; and
    (iv) Grob Aircraft Repair Instruction Doc. No. RI 817-010/1, 
issue date December 20, 2011.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Grob 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, 
Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268 998139; fax: +49 (0) 8268 998200; 
email: aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet https://www.grob-aircraft.eu/.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, 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 May 16, 2012.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-12409 Filed 6-1-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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