Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Gliders, 2595-2597 [2014-00641]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 15, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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.: 2013–0258, dated October 25, 2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2014– 0018. For service information related to this ´ ´ AD, contact Societe Nouvelle CENTRAIR, Aerodrome B.P. 44, F–36300 LeBlanc, France; telephone: +33(0)254370796, fax: +33(0)254374864, email: contact@ sncentrair.com; Internet: none. You may review this 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 8, 2014. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–00627 Filed 1–14–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Examining the AD Docket 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–0019; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–045–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Gliders Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders. 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 inadequate guidance for spin training operations. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 3, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: DATES: VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:09 Jan 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, AlexanderSchleicher-Str. 1, D–36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89–0; fax: +49 (0) 06658 89– 40; Internet: https://www.alexanderschleicher.de/; email: info@alexanderschleicher.de. You may review this 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. You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 0019; 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: 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: 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–2014–0019; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–045–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2595 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:// 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No. 2013– 0123, dated June 5, 2013 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: ASK 21 sailplane spin characteristics can be controlled using tail ballast weights, ensuring that pilots of all weights can achieve the same spin results. Although the tail ballast weights were designed to control the centre of gravity of the sailplane, these weights significantly affect the inertia terms that govern the sailplane response to spin manoeuvres. Schleicher issued a Technical Note (TN) Nr. 4 in 1980 (mainly used in Switzerland) to provide instructions for the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for spin training. These instructions did not provide proper protection against accomplishment of single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast installed. Schleicher issued a TN Nr. 4a in 2004 to provide instructions to the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) amendments to address spin ballast installation and facilitate two seated spin training. However, these instructions did not provide proper guidance for the spin entry techniques. The safety margin in respect to inertia limits was marginal for pilot weights less than 70 kg on the front seat. Furthermore, in one case, it was observed that a control surface gap was not sealed in accordance with design data approved for that aircraft. Single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast installed, if not corrected, could lead to sailplane operation beyond its centre of gravity limits. Flights with low inertia momentum around Y axis (as a result of the low weight crew) could result in reduced safety margin in respect to inertia limits. Improperly sealed control surface gap during spin recovery could lead to significant delay of recovery and reduced control of the sailplane. To address these potential unsafe conditions, Schleicher issued TN Nr. 4b for ASK 21 model sailplanes and TN Nr. 7 for ASK 21 Mi model sailplanes to amend the associated AFM and Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures and installation of a cockpit placard, as applicable to sailplane model. E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 2596 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 15, 2014 / Proposed Rules For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of the AFM, AMM and installation of a cockpit placard. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA–2014–0019. Relevant Service Information Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau issued ASK 21 Technical Note Nr 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013. 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. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 59 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2.5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $250 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $27,287.50, or $462.50 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:09 Jan 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 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. (1) Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; or (2) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004. Regulatory Findings (d) Subject Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 11: Placards and Markings. 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), (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. 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: ■ Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau: Docket No. FAA–2014–0019; Directorate Identifier 2013–CE–045–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by March 3, 2014. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that have incorporated: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (e) Reason This AD was prompted by 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 inadequate guidance for spin training operations. We are issuing this proposed AD to ensure the placard installed in the aircraft cockpit, the aircraft flight manual (AFM), and the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) all have adequate guidance for spin training operations. (f) Actions and Compliance Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD: (1) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the amended pages into the glider’s AFM and the ICA and install a cockpit placard following paragraph B) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013. (2) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the amended pages into the glider’s AFM and the ICA following paragraph C) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013. (3) An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may insert the amended pages into the AFM and ICA of the glider required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD and must enter the action into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD following 14 CFR § 43.9 (a)(1)–(4) and 14 CFR § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR § 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. (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 aircraft to E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 10 / Wednesday, January 15, 2014 / Proposed Rules 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. (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2013–0123, dated June 5, 2013, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–0019. You may also refer to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; and Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004, for related information. For service information related to this AD, contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-Schleicher-Str. 1, D–36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89–0; fax: +49 (0) 06658 89– 40; Internet: https://www.alexanderschleicher.de/; email: info@alexanderschleicher.de. You may review this 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. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 8, 2014. Earl Lawrence, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2014–00641 Filed 1–14–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard safety zones, and allow enforcement times to be subject to change with notice. We believe these changes are necessary to protect spectators, participants, and vessels from the hazards associated with annual maritime events, including fireworks displays, boat races, and air shows. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before February 14, 2014. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2013–1033 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. (4) Hand Delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Petty Officer Joseph McCollum, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan; telephone 414–747– 7148, email Joseph.P.McCollum@ uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Table of Acronyms 33 CFR Part 165 DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking [Docket No. USCG–2013–1033] RIN 1625–AA00 wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Safety Zones; Annual Events Requiring Safety Zones in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan Zone Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to amend its safety zones regulations for annual events in the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan zone. This proposed rule would update the locations and/or enforcement times for 23 permanent safety zones, add 10 new permanent SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 12:09 Jan 14, 2014 Jkt 232001 A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2597 rulemaking (USCG–2013–1033), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online at, https:// www.regulations.gov or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number USCG–2013–1033 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on the comment box in the row listing this NPRM. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2; by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may change the rule based on your comments. 2. Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number USCG–2013–1033 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking. The following link will take you directly to that view: https://www.regulations.gov/ #!docketDetail;D=USCG–2013–1033. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 3. Privacy Act Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the E:\FR\FM\15JAP1.SGM 15JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 15, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2595-2597]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-00641]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0019; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-045-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau 
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 
Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders. 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 inadequate guidance for spin 
training operations. We are issuing this proposed AD to require actions 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 3, 2014.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-Schleicher-
Str. 1, D-36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89-0; fax: 
+49 (0) 06658 89-40; Internet: https://www.alexander-schleicher.de/; 
email: info@alexander-schleicher.de. You may review this 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0019; 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: 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:

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-2014-0019; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-045-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://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

    European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No. 2013-0123, dated June 5, 2013 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    ASK 21 sailplane spin characteristics can be controlled using 
tail ballast weights, ensuring that pilots of all weights can 
achieve the same spin results. Although the tail ballast weights 
were designed to control the centre of gravity of the sailplane, 
these weights significantly affect the inertia terms that govern the 
sailplane response to spin manoeuvres. Schleicher issued a Technical 
Note (TN) Nr. 4 in 1980 (mainly used in Switzerland) to provide 
instructions for the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) for spin training. 
These instructions did not provide proper protection against 
accomplishment of single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast 
installed.
    Schleicher issued a TN Nr. 4a in 2004 to provide instructions to 
the Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) amendments to address spin ballast 
installation and facilitate two seated spin training. However, these 
instructions did not provide proper guidance for the spin entry 
techniques. The safety margin in respect to inertia limits was 
marginal for pilot weights less than 70 kg on the front seat.
    Furthermore, in one case, it was observed that a control surface 
gap was not sealed in accordance with design data approved for that 
aircraft.
    Single seated flight with forgotten spin ballast installed, if 
not corrected, could lead to sailplane operation beyond its centre 
of gravity limits. Flights with low inertia momentum around Y axis 
(as a result of the low weight crew) could result in reduced safety 
margin in respect to inertia limits.
    Improperly sealed control surface gap during spin recovery could 
lead to significant delay of recovery and reduced control of the 
sailplane.
    To address these potential unsafe conditions, Schleicher issued 
TN Nr. 4b for ASK 21 model sailplanes and TN Nr. 7 for ASK 21 Mi 
model sailplanes to amend the associated AFM and Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual (AMM) procedures and installation of a cockpit 
placard, as applicable to sailplane model.

[[Page 2596]]

    For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of 
the AFM, AMM and installation of a cockpit placard.

You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0019.

Relevant Service Information

    Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau issued ASK 21 
Technical Note Nr 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 
31, 2013. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 59 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2.5 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $250 per product.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $27,287.50, or $462.50 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 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),
    (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.

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

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:

Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau: Docket No. FAA-2014-0019; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-045-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 3, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model 
ASK 21 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, 
that have incorporated:
    (1) Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 
No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; or
    (2) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 
Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 11: Placards and 
Markings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by 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 inadequate 
guidance for spin training operations. We are issuing this proposed 
AD to ensure the placard installed in the aircraft cockpit, the 
aircraft flight manual (AFM), and the instructions for continued 
airworthiness (ICA) all have adequate guidance for spin training 
operations.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD:
    (1) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher 
Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 
1980: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the 
amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA and install a 
cockpit placard following paragraph B) of the Action section in 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical 
Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 
2013.
    (2) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher GmbH & 
Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 
2004: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert the 
amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA following paragraph 
C) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US 
registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013.
    (3) An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot 
certificate may insert the amended pages into the AFM and ICA of the 
glider required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD and must 
enter the action into the aircraft records showing compliance with 
this AD following 14 CFR Sec.  43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR Sec.  
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
Sec.  91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(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 
aircraft to

[[Page 2597]]

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.

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2013-0123, dated June 5, 2013, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0019. You may also 
refer to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 
No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; and Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004, 
for related information. For service information related to this AD, 
contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-
Schleicher-Str. 1, D-36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 
06658 89-0; fax: +49 (0) 06658 89-40; Internet: https://www.alexander-schleicher.de/; email: info@alexander-schleicher.de. 
You may review this 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 8, 2014.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-00641 Filed 1-14-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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