Airworthiness Directives; BLANIK LIMITED Gliders, 11134-11136 [2016-04541]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules
(i) Replacement/Repair for P/N CT2CF1021–
1
(1) Before further flight after the inspection
required in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if
corrosion, cracking, or other damages are
found, replace the elevator control rod
assembly with P/N CT2CF1021–1 that has
been inspected and is free of corrosion,
cracking, or other damages following section
I. PLANNING INFORMATION, paragraph D.
of Viking DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin
Number: V2/0005, Revision ‘‘C’’, dated July
17, 2015, or contact Viking Air Limited at the
address specified in paragraph (o) of this AD
for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate
the repair.
(2) After replacing or repairing P/N
CT2CF1021–1, you must still do the
repetitive inspections of the elevator control
rod assemblies following the Airworthiness
Limitations section of the FAA-approved
maintenance program (e.g., maintenance
manual) specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this
AD.
(j) Repair of the Elevator Actuating Lever
Before further flight after the inspection
required in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD, if
corrosion, cracking, or other damages are
found, contact Viking Air Limited at the
address specified in paragraph (o) of this AD
for an FAA-approved repair and incorporate
the repair.
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(k) Airworthiness Limitations/Restrictions
(1) For all airplanes, within the next 30
days after the effective date of this AD, insert
the following into the Airworthiness
Limitations section of the FAA-approved
maintenance program (e.g., maintenance
manual). This revision to the Limitation
section incorporates repetitive inspections of
the elevator control rod assemblies, the
elevator actuating lever, and the control
column torque tube for corrosion, cracks,
and/or other damage. Insert item 20A., of Part
3, in Appendix 2 of Temporary Revision No.:
2–38, dated March 4, 2015, into the VIKING
PSM NO.: 1–2–2, AIRCRAFT: DHC–2
BEAVER, SERIES: ALL, PUBLICATION:
MAINTENANCE MANUAL; and insert item
20A., in Part 4, of Temporary Revision No.:
2T–14, dated March 4, 2015, into VIKING
PSM NO.: 1–2T–2, AIRCRAFT: DHC–2
TURBO BEAVER, SERIES: ALL,
PUBLICATION: MAINTENANCE MANUAL.
(2) For all airplanes, as of the effective date
of this AD, do not install P/N C2CF619A or
C2CF619A–9 as a replacement part.
(l) Life Limit for P/N C2CF619A
As of the effective date of this AD, elevator
control rod assemblies, P/N C2CF619A, are
life-limited to 15 years and must be replaced
with P/N C2CF619A–11 at the following
compliance time:
(1) If, as of the effective date of this AD,
the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is
known, it must be replaced before exceeding
the life limit or within the next 12 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later.
(2) If, as of the effective date of this AD,
the age of the installed P/N C2CF619A is not
known, it must be replaced within the next
12 months after the effective date of this AD.
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Jkt 238001
(m) Credit for Actions Accomplished in
Accordance With Previous Service
Information
Credit will be given for the inspections
required in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3)
of this AD if they were done before the
effective date of this AD following Viking Air
Limited DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin
Number: V2/0005, Revision ‘NC’, dated
March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited DHC–2
Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005,
Revision ‘A’, dated November 7, 2014; or
Viking Air Limited DHC–2 Beaver Service
Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ‘B’,
dated March 4, 2015.
(n) 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: Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Safety
Engineer, FAA, New York Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Steward
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York
11590; telephone: (516) 228–7329; fax: (516)
794–5531; email: aziz.ahmed@faa.gov. 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, 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.
(o) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Transport Canada AD No.
CF–2015–21, dated July 30, 2015; and Viking
Air Limited DHC–2 Beaver Service Bulletin
Number: V2/0005, Revision ‘NC’, dated
March 26, 2012; Viking Air Limited DHC–2
Beaver Service Bulletin Number: V2/0005,
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Revision ‘A’, dated November 7, 2014; or
Viking Air Limited DHC–2 Beaver Service
Bulletin Number: V2/0005, Revision ‘B’,
dated March 4, 2015, for related information.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–4229.
For service information related to this AD,
contact Viking Air Limited Technical
Support, 1959 De Havilland Way, Sidney,
British Columbia, Canada, V8L 5V5; Fax:
250–656–0673; telephone: (North America)
(800) 663–8444; email: technical.support@
vikingair.com; Internet: https://www.vikingair.
com/support/service-bulletins. 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
February 24, 2016.
Robert P. Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–04539 Filed 3–2–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–4231; Directorate
Identifier 2015–CE–042–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BLANIK
LIMITED 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
BLANIK LIMITED Models L–13 Blanik
and L–13 AC Blanik gliders (type
certificate previously held by LET
Aeronautical Works) that would
supersede AD 2000–20–11. 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 insufficient
material strength of the tail-fuselage
attachment fitting. 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 April 18, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules
• 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 BLANIK
LIMITED, 2nd Floor Beaux Lane House,
Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Republic
of Ireland; phone: +420 733 662 194;
email: info@blanik.aero; Internet:
https://www.blanik.aero/%EF%BB
%BFcustomer_support. 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–2016–
4231; 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:
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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–2016–4231; Directorate Identifier
2015–CE–042–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 02, 2016
Jkt 238001
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
On September 28, 2000, we issued AD
2000–20–11, Amendment 39–11922 (65
FR 60845; October 13, 2000) (‘‘AD
2000–20–11’’). That AD required actions
intended to address an unsafe condition
on BLANIK LIMITED Model L–13
Blanik gliders and was based on
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by the
Civil Aviation Authority, which is the
aviation authority for the Czech
Republic. That MCAI (AD CAA–AD–T–
112/1999R1, dated November 23, 1999),
was issued to correct an unsafe
condition for EVECTOR, spol. s.r.o.
Models L 13 SEH VIVAT and L 13 SDM
VIVAT gliders and BLANIK LIMITED
Models L–13 Blanik and L–13 AC
Blanik gliders. The MCAI states:
To prevent destruction of tail-fuselage
attachment fitting which can lead to loss of
control of the sailplane. This destruction
could be caused due to lower strength of the
material used during production.
You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2016–4231.
A review of records since issuance of
AD 2000–20–11 revealed that the FAA
inadvertently did not address this MCAI
for the EVECTOR, spol. s.r.o. Model L
13 SDM VIVAT gliders and the BLANIK
LIMITED Model L–13 AC Blanik gliders.
This proposed AD would supersede AD
2000–20–11 to add the BLANIK
LIMITED Model L–13 AC Blanik gliders
to the applicability of the AD.
The FAA will address the EVECTOR,
spol. s.r.o. Model L 13 SDM VIVAT
gliders in another AD action.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
LET Aeronautical Works has issued
LET Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/085a,
dated November 17, 1999. The service
information describes procedures for
testing the material strength of
attachment fitting part number A 102
021 N and instructions for contacting
the manufacturer for replacement
information if necessary. This service
information is reasonably available
because the interested parties have
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
11135
access to it through their normal course
of business or by the means identified
in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
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 124 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 4 work-hours 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 $42,160, or $340 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 16 work-hours and require parts
costing $500, for a cost of $1,860 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
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 42 / Thursday, March 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules
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
removing Amendment 39–11922 (65 FR
60845; October 13, 2000), and adding
the following new AD:
■
Blanik Limited: Docket No. FAA–2016–4231;
Directorate Identifier 2015–CE–042–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 18,
2016.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2000–20–11,
Amendment 39–11922 (65 FR 60845; October
13, 2000) (‘‘AD 2000–20–11’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to BLANIK LIMITED
Models L–13 Blanik and L–13 AC Blanik
gliders (type certificate previously held by
LET Aeronautical Works), all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:24 Mar 02, 2016
Jkt 238001
(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 insufficient
material strength of the tail-fuselage
attachment fitting. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct tail-fuselage fittings with
insufficient material strength, which if left
uncorrected could result in detachment of
the tail from the fuselage with consequent
loss of control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this
AD, including all subparagraphs:
(1) Model L–13 Blanik gliders:
(i) Within the next 60 days after November
27, 2000 (the effective date retained from AD
2000–20–11), inspect the tail-fuselage
attachment fitting, part number
(P/N) A 102 021 N, for damage and material
hardness following the procedures in LET
Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/085a, dated
November 17, 1999.
(ii) If you find the tail-fuselage attachment
fitting is damaged or the material does not
meet the hardness requirements specified in
the service bulletin during the inspection
required in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD,
before further flight, you must contact the
manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved
replacement part for P/N A 102 021 N and
FAA-approved installation instructions and
install the replacement part. Use the contact
information found in paragraph (h) to contact
the manufacturer.
(iii) As of November 27, 2000 (the effective
date retained from AD 2000–20–11), do not
install, on any glider, a P/N A 102 021 N
attachment fitting that has not passed the
inspection required in paragraph (f)(1)(i) of
this AD.
(2) Model L–13 AC Blanik gliders:
(i) Within the next 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, inspect the tailfuselage attachment fitting, part number
(P/N) A 102 021 N, for damage and material
hardness following the procedures in LET
Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/085a, dated
November 17, 1999.
(ii) If you find the tail-fuselage attachment
fitting is damaged or the material does not
meet the hardness requirements specified in
the service bulletin during the inspection
required in paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD,
before further flight, you must contact the
manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved
replacement part for P/N A 102 021 N and
FAA-approved installation instructions and
install the replacement part. Use the contact
information found in paragraph (h) to contact
the manufacturer.
(iii) As of the effective date of this AD, do
not install, on any glider, a P/N A 102 021N
attachment fitting that has not passed the
inspection required in paragraph (f)(2)(i) 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,
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority AD
CAA–AD–T–112/1999R1, dated November
23, 1999, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–4231.
For service information related to this AD,
contact BLANIK LIMITED, 2nd Floor Beaux
Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2,
Republic of Ireland; phone: +420 733 662
194; email: info@blanik.aero; Internet:
https://www.blanik.aero/%EF%BB
%BFcustomer_support. 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
February 24, 2016.
Robert P. Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–04541 Filed 3–2–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7203; Airspace
Docket No. 15–ASO–14]
Proposed Establishment of Class D
Airspace: Destin, FL; Duke Field, Eglin
AFB, FL; Proposed Revocation of
Class D Airspace; Eglin AF Aux No 3
Duke Field, FL; and Proposed
Amendment of Class D and E
Airspace; Eglin Air Force Base, FL;
Eglin Hurlburt Field, FL; and
Crestview, FL
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 42 (Thursday, March 3, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11134-11136]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-04541]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-4231; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-042-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BLANIK LIMITED 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
BLANIK LIMITED Models L-13 Blanik and L-13 AC Blanik gliders (type
certificate previously held by LET Aeronautical Works) that would
supersede AD 2000-20-11. 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 insufficient material strength of the tail-fuselage
attachment fitting. 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 April 18, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
[[Page 11135]]
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
BLANIK LIMITED, 2nd Floor Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin
2, Republic of Ireland; phone: +420 733 662 194; email:
info@blanik.aero; Internet: https://www.blanik.aero/%EF%BB%BFcustomer_support. 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-2016-
4231; 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-2016-4231;
Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-042-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
On September 28, 2000, we issued AD 2000-20-11, Amendment 39-11922
(65 FR 60845; October 13, 2000) (``AD 2000-20-11''). That AD required
actions intended to address an unsafe condition on BLANIK LIMITED Model
L-13 Blanik gliders and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) originated by the Civil Aviation Authority, which is
the aviation authority for the Czech Republic. That MCAI (AD CAA-AD-T-
112/1999R1, dated November 23, 1999), was issued to correct an unsafe
condition for EVECTOR, spol. s.r.o. Models L 13 SEH VIVAT and L 13 SDM
VIVAT gliders and BLANIK LIMITED Models L-13 Blanik and L-13 AC Blanik
gliders. The MCAI states:
To prevent destruction of tail-fuselage attachment fitting which
can lead to loss of control of the sailplane. This destruction could
be caused due to lower strength of the material used during
production.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
4231.
A review of records since issuance of AD 2000-20-11 revealed that
the FAA inadvertently did not address this MCAI for the EVECTOR, spol.
s.r.o. Model L 13 SDM VIVAT gliders and the BLANIK LIMITED Model L-13
AC Blanik gliders. This proposed AD would supersede AD 2000-20-11 to
add the BLANIK LIMITED Model L-13 AC Blanik gliders to the
applicability of the AD.
The FAA will address the EVECTOR, spol. s.r.o. Model L 13 SDM VIVAT
gliders in another AD action.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
LET Aeronautical Works has issued LET Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/
085a, dated November 17, 1999. The service information describes
procedures for testing the material strength of attachment fitting part
number A 102 021 N and instructions for contacting the manufacturer for
replacement information if necessary. This service information is
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in
the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
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 124 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours 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 $42,160, or $340 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $500, for a cost of
$1,860 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
[[Page 11136]]
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 removing Amendment 39-11922 (65 FR
60845; October 13, 2000), and adding the following new AD:
Blanik Limited: Docket No. FAA-2016-4231; Directorate Identifier
2015-CE-042-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 18, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2000-20-11, Amendment 39-11922 (65 FR 60845;
October 13, 2000) (``AD 2000-20-11'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to BLANIK LIMITED Models L-13 Blanik and L-13 AC
Blanik gliders (type certificate previously held by LET Aeronautical
Works), all serial numbers, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.
(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 insufficient
material strength of the tail-fuselage attachment fitting. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct tail-fuselage fittings with
insufficient material strength, which if left uncorrected could
result in detachment of the tail from the fuselage with consequent
loss of control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, including all subparagraphs:
(1) Model L-13 Blanik gliders:
(i) Within the next 60 days after November 27, 2000 (the
effective date retained from AD 2000-20-11), inspect the tail-
fuselage attachment fitting, part number (P/N) A 102 021 N, for
damage and material hardness following the procedures in LET
Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/085a, dated November 17, 1999.
(ii) If you find the tail-fuselage attachment fitting is damaged
or the material does not meet the hardness requirements specified in
the service bulletin during the inspection required in paragraph
(f)(1)(i) of this AD, before further flight, you must contact the
manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved replacement part for P/N A
102 021 N and FAA-approved installation instructions and install the
replacement part. Use the contact information found in paragraph (h)
to contact the manufacturer.
(iii) As of November 27, 2000 (the effective date retained from
AD 2000-20-11), do not install, on any glider, a P/N A 102 021 N
attachment fitting that has not passed the inspection required in
paragraph (f)(1)(i) of this AD.
(2) Model L-13 AC Blanik gliders:
(i) Within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
inspect the tail-fuselage attachment fitting, part number (P/N) A
102 021 N, for damage and material hardness following the procedures
in LET Mandatory Bulletin No.: L13/085a, dated November 17, 1999.
(ii) If you find the tail-fuselage attachment fitting is damaged
or the material does not meet the hardness requirements specified in
the service bulletin during the inspection required in paragraph
(f)(2)(i) of this AD, before further flight, you must contact the
manufacturer to obtain an FAA-approved replacement part for P/N A
102 021 N and FAA-approved installation instructions and install the
replacement part. Use the contact information found in paragraph (h)
to contact the manufacturer.
(iii) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install, on
any glider, a P/N A 102 021N attachment fitting that has not passed
the inspection required in paragraph (f)(2)(i) 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
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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI Civil Aviation Authority AD CAA-AD-T-112/1999R1,
dated November 23, 1999, for related information. You may examine
the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-4231. For service information
related to this AD, contact BLANIK LIMITED, 2nd Floor Beaux Lane
House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland; phone:
+420 733 662 194; email: info@blanik.aero; Internet: https://www.blanik.aero/%EF%BB%BFcustomer_support. 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 February 24, 2016.
Robert P. Busto,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-04541 Filed 3-2-16; 8:45 am]
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