Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Gliders, 10264-10266 [2017-01769]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
10264
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
cracks and corrosion on the crown skin inner
surface. If the cracks or corrosion are not
repaired, the cracks can rapidly join together
and can cause a sudden decompression and
loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection of the Skin Inner Surface
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing
Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2878, dated
May 19, 2016, except as required by
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD: Do a detailed
inspection of the skin inner surface for any
missing or degraded finish, sign of corrosion,
or crack, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 747–53A2878, dated May
19, 2016. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed the applicable time
specified in paragraph 1.E., ‘‘Compliance,’’ of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2878,
dated May 19, 2016, until the actions
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD have
been done.
(h) Repair of the Skin Inner Surface
If any damage is found during any
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this
AD, before further flight, do all applicable
related investigative and correction actions,
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as
required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(i) Optional Terminating Action
Modification or repair of the inner skin
surfaces, and restoration of the surface finish,
in accordance with part 3 and part 4,
respectively, of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016,
terminates the repetitive inspections required
by paragraph (g) of this AD.
(j) Post Repair Inspection and Repairs
For airplanes on which a repair or
modification has been done in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–53A2878,
dated May 19, 2016: Except as required by
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, at the applicable
time specified in Table 3 of paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016,
do detailed inspections to detect damage of
the repaired or modified areas, and do all
applicable corrective actions, in accordance
with part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, except as
required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD. Do
all applicable corrective actions before
further flight. Repeat the inspections
thereafter at intervals not to exceed the
applicable time specified in paragraph 1.E.,
‘‘Compliance,’’ of Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(k) Exceptions
(1) Where Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, specifies
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:51 Feb 09, 2017
Jkt 241001
a compliance time ‘‘after the original issue
date of this service bulletin,’’ this AD
requires compliance within the specified
compliance time after the effective date of
this AD.
(2) If any cracking or corrosion is found
during any inspection required by this AD,
and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016, specifies to
contact Boeing for appropriate action: Before
further flight, repair the cracking or corrosion
using a method approved in accordance with
the procedures specified in paragraph (l) of
this AD.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector
or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m) of this AD. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC,
notify your appropriate principal inspector,
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair,
modification, or alteration required by this
AD if it is approved by the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. To be
approved, the repair method, modification
deviation, or alteration deviation must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(4) Except as required by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD: For service information that
contains steps that are labeled as Required
for Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (l)(4)(i) and (l)(4)(ii) of this AD
apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
for any deviations to RC steps, including
substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(m) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Nathan Weigand, Aerospace
Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S,
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
6428; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
nathan.p.weigand@faa.gov.
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
53A2878, dated May 19, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd.,
MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
18, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–01778 Filed 2–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9382; Directorate
Identifier 2016–CE–032–AD; Amendment
39–18790; AD 2017–02–11]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Gliders
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Model ASK 21 gliders. 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 cable slack in gliders
equipped with a rudder hand control
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
system leading to a short-term blockage
of the rudder control system and
reduced control. We are issuing this AD
to require actions to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of March 17, 2017.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9382; 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 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 view 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. It is also available on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for Docket No. FAA–2016–
9382.
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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to Alexander Schleicher GmbH &
Co. Model ASK 21 gliders. The NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on November 10, 2016 (81 FR 78947).
The NPRM proposed to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products and was based on mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country. The MCAI
states:
A temporary rudder control blockage was
reported, involving an ASK 21 sailplane
equipped with a rudder hand control system.
The subsequent investigation revealed
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:51 Feb 09, 2017
Jkt 241001
significant cable slack in the rudder control
system.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to reduced rudder
control, possibly resulting in reduced
controllability of the sailplane.
To address this potentially unsafe
condition, Schleicher issued ASK 21
Technical Note (TN) 38 to provide
instructions to amend the ASK 21 Aircraft
Flight Manual (AFM), incorporating updated
pre-flight inspection instructions to check the
rudder control system of sailplanes modified
in accordance with the instructions of
Schleicher ASK 21 TN 25 (rudder actuated
by hand lever for the front pilot seat) or TN
30 (rudder control by hand for the rear pilot
seat).
For reasons described above, this AD
requires amendment of the applicable
Schleicher ASK 21 AFM, revising preflight checks of the rudder hand control
system. The MCAI can be found in the
AD docket on the Internet at: https://
www.regulations.gov/
document?D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the 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 for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Alexander Schleicher
GmbH & Co. ASK 21 Technical Note No.
38, dated May 31, 2016. The service
information describes procedures for
inspecting gliders equipped with a
rudder hand control system for proper
tension and adjustment 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
64 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it would take about 2
work-hours per product to comply with
the basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
10265
Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to
be $10,880, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 1 work-hour for cost of $85 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 by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9382; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
10266
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 27 / Friday, February 10, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains the NPRM, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
■
2017–02–11 Alexander Schleicher GmbH &
Co.: Amendment 39–; Docket No. FAA–
2016–9382; Directorate Identifier 2016–
CE–032–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective March 17, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher
GmbH & Co. ASK 21 gliders, all serial
numbers, certificated in any category, that are
modified with a rudder hand control system
using either ASK 21 Technical Note No. 25,
dated February 16, 1993, or ASK 21
Technical Note No. 30, dated January 22,
2007.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls.
(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 cable slack
in gliders equipped with a rudder hand
control system. We are issuing this proposed
AD to correct any excess slack in the rudder
hand control system, which could result in
a short-term blockage of the rudder control
system and reduced control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the actions in
paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this AD:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:51 Feb 09, 2017
Jkt 241001
(1) If the glider is equipped with a rudder
actuated by means of a hand lever at the left
cockpit wall in the front pilot seat by ASK
21 Technical Note (TN) No. 25, dated
February 16, 1993, within the next 60 days
after March 17, 2017 (the effective date of
this AD), replace the flight manual (FM) and
maintenance manual (MM) pages with the
following pages in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated
May 31, 2016:
(i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 19.1a., and 21.
(ii) MM: 13, 15.
(2) If the glider is equipped with a rudder
actuated by means of a hand lever at the left
cockpit wall in the rear pilot seat by ASK 21
TN No. 30, dated January 22, 2007, within
the next 60 days after March 17, 2017 (the
effective date of this AD), replace the FM and
MM pages with the following pages in ASK
21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016:
(i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 18a, 19b, 19c,
19.1a, and 21.
(ii) MM: 13, 15.
(3) For all affected gliders, within the next
60 days after March 17, 2017 (the effective
date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at
intervals not to exceed every 12 months,
inspect the rudder cable tension and make
any necessary corrections following the
instructions from FM page 19.1a, Checking
and Adjusting of the Cable Tension, as
specified in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May
31, 2016.
(4) For all affected gliders, after March 17,
2017 (the effective date of this AD), any
glider modified with a rudder hand control
system in accordance with ASK 21 TN No.
25 or TN No. 30 must also have the FM and
MM amended following the instructions in
ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016.
(g) Pilot Authorization
In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR
43.3 and 43.7, the actions required by
paragraph (f)(1) through (2) of this AD may
be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and
must be entered into the glider records
showing compliance with this AD following
14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (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.
(h) 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
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 9990
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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2016–0192, dated
September 28, 2016; ASK 21 Technical Note
No. 25, dated February 16, 1993; and ASK 21
Technical Note No. 30, dated January 22,
2007, for related information. The MCAI can
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?
D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK
21 Technical Note No. 38, dated May 31,
2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
service information identified in 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.
(4) 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. In addition, you can access
this service information on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9382.
(5) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
19, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–01769 Filed 2–9–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM
10FER1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 27 (Friday, February 10, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10264-10266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-01769]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9382; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-032-AD;
Amendment 39-18790; AD 2017-02-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Model ASK 21 gliders. 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 cable slack in gliders equipped with a rudder hand control
[[Page 10265]]
system leading to a short-term blockage of the rudder control system
and reduced control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of March 17,
2017.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9382; 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 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 view 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. It is also available on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for Docket No. FAA-
2016-9382.
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 by adding an AD that would apply to Alexander Schleicher GmbH &
Co. Model ASK 21 gliders. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on November 10, 2016 (81 FR 78947). The NPRM proposed to
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products and was based on
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an
aviation authority of another country. The MCAI states:
A temporary rudder control blockage was reported, involving an
ASK 21 sailplane equipped with a rudder hand control system. The
subsequent investigation revealed significant cable slack in the
rudder control system.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
reduced rudder control, possibly resulting in reduced
controllability of the sailplane.
To address this potentially unsafe condition, Schleicher issued
ASK 21 Technical Note (TN) 38 to provide instructions to amend the
ASK 21 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM), incorporating updated pre-
flight inspection instructions to check the rudder control system of
sailplanes modified in accordance with the instructions of
Schleicher ASK 21 TN 25 (rudder actuated by hand lever for the front
pilot seat) or TN 30 (rudder control by hand for the rear pilot
seat).
For reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of the
applicable Schleicher ASK 21 AFM, revising pre-flight checks of the
rudder hand control system. The MCAI can be found in the AD docket on
the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21 Technical Note
No. 38, dated May 31, 2016. The service information describes
procedures for inspecting gliders equipped with a rudder hand control
system for proper tension and adjustment 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 64 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $10,880, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 1 work-hour for cost of $85 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9382; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
[[Page 10266]]
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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:
2017-02-11 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.: Amendment 39-; Docket
No. FAA-2016-9382; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-032-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 17,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21
gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that are
modified with a rudder hand control system using either ASK 21
Technical Note No. 25, dated February 16, 1993, or ASK 21 Technical
Note No. 30, dated January 22, 2007.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight
Controls.
(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 cable slack in
gliders equipped with a rudder hand control system. We are issuing
this proposed AD to correct any excess slack in the rudder hand
control system, which could result in a short-term blockage of the
rudder control system and reduced control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through
(4) of this AD:
(1) If the glider is equipped with a rudder actuated by means of
a hand lever at the left cockpit wall in the front pilot seat by ASK
21 Technical Note (TN) No. 25, dated February 16, 1993, within the
next 60 days after March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD),
replace the flight manual (FM) and maintenance manual (MM) pages
with the following pages in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016:
(i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 19.1a., and 21.
(ii) MM: 13, 15.
(2) If the glider is equipped with a rudder actuated by means of
a hand lever at the left cockpit wall in the rear pilot seat by ASK
21 TN No. 30, dated January 22, 2007, within the next 60 days after
March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD), replace the FM and
MM pages with the following pages in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31,
2016:
(i) FM: Check List/1, 16a, 18a, 19b, 19c, 19.1a, and 21.
(ii) MM: 13, 15.
(3) For all affected gliders, within the next 60 days after
March 17, 2017 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 12 months, inspect the
rudder cable tension and make any necessary corrections following
the instructions from FM page 19.1a, Checking and Adjusting of the
Cable Tension, as specified in ASK 21 TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016.
(4) For all affected gliders, after March 17, 2017 (the
effective date of this AD), any glider modified with a rudder hand
control system in accordance with ASK 21 TN No. 25 or TN No. 30 must
also have the FM and MM amended following the instructions in ASK 21
TN No. 38, dated May 31, 2016.
(g) Pilot Authorization
In addition to the provisions of 14 CFR 43.3 and 43.7, the
actions required by paragraph (f)(1) through (2) of this AD may be
performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private
pilot certificate and must be entered into the glider records
showing compliance with this AD following 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through
(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.
(h) 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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2016-0192, dated September 28, 2016; ASK 21 Technical Note No. 25,
dated February 16, 1993; and ASK 21 Technical Note No. 30, dated
January 22, 2007, for related information. The MCAI can be found in
the AD docket on the Internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2016-9382-0002.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. ASK 21 Technical Note No.
38, dated May 31, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co service information
identified in 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.
(4) 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. In addition, you can access this service
information on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9382.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 19, 2017.
Melvin Johnson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-01769 Filed 2-9-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
