Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders, 12312-12314 [2017-03967]
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this
AD action by April 17, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 69–13–03, Amendment 39–1749 (38 FR
33765, December 7, 1973) (‘‘AD 69–13–03’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Models PA–23, PA–23–160, PA–23–235, PA–
23–250, PA–E23–250, and PA–30 airplanes,
all serial numbers, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America
Code 21, Air Conditioning.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by the potential of
carbon monoxide entering the airplane cabin.
We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the combustion heater exhaust extension,
which could lead to carbon monoxide
entering the airplane cabin.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS
(g) Mild Steel or Stainless Steel Exhaust
Extension Determination
Within the next 25 hours time-in-service
(TIS) after December 14, 1973 (the effective
date retained from AD 69–13–03), remove the
heater exhaust tube shroud and by means of
a magnet determine if Stewart-Warner part
number (P/N) 486238 exhaust extension
(Piper P/N 754–708) is mild steel (magnetic)
or stainless steel (non-magnetic).
If the exhaust extension is stainless steel,
then no further action is required by this AD.
(h) Mild Steel Exhaust Extensions
If there is a mild steel Stewart-Warner P/
N 486238 exhaust extension (Piper P/N 754–
708) installed on the airplane, within 25
hours TIS after the effective date of this AD,
you must do one of the following actions
found in paragraph (h)(1) through (3) of this
AD.
(1) Replace the mild steel exhaust
extension with a stainless steel exhaust
extension.
(2) Visually inspect the mild steel exhaust
extension for deterioration (cracks, corrosion,
rust, and/or flaking) and repetitively
thereafter visually inspect the exhaust
extension at intervals not to exceed 25 hours
TIS or until the mild steel exhaust extension
is replaced with a stainless steel exhaust
extension.
(3) Disable or remove the combustion
heater.
(i) Deterioration of the Mild Steel Exhaust
Extension
If deterioration (cracks, corrosion, rust,
and/or flaking) of the extension is found
during any of the inspections required in
paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, before further
flight, you must do one of the following
actions in paragraph (i)(1) or (2) of this AD.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:51 Mar 01, 2017
Jkt 241001
(1) Replace the exhaust extension with a
stainless steel exhaust extension or a mild
steel P/N 486238 exhaust extension that has
been inspected per paragraph (h)(2) of this
AD and was found free of deterioration. If
you install a mild steel P/N 486238 exhaust
extension, you must continue the repetitive
visual inspections required in paragraph
(h)(2) of this AD.
(2) Disable or remove the heater.
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0158; Directorate
Identifier 2016–CE–040–AD]
2625 02 engine that has been modified
with a fuel injection system following
the instructions of Solo Kleinmotoren
GmbH Service Bulletin (SB)/Technische
Mitteilung (TM) 4600–3 ‘‘Fuel Injection
System’’ and re-identified as Solo 2625
02i. 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 failure
of the connecting rod bearing resulting
from too much load on the rod bearings
from the engine control unit. 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 17, 2017.
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 Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152,
71050 Sindelfingen, Germany;
telephone: +49 703 1301–0; fax: +49 703
1301–136; email: aircraft@sologermany.com; Internet: https://
aircraft.solo-online.com. 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.
RIN 2120–AA64
Examining the AD Docket
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta 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 (k) of this AD.
(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) AMOCs approved for paragraphs (a)
and (b) of AD 69–13–03 are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of
this AD.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Scott Hopper, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office,
1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park,
Georgia 30337; phone: (404) 474–5535; fax:
(404) 474–5606; email: scott.hopper@faa.gov.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
February 17, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–03952 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
Airworthiness Directives; DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG–500MB
gliders that are equipped with a Solo
SUMMARY:
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You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0158; 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 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–2017–0158; Directorate Identifier
2016–CE–040–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
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD No.:
2016–0254, dated December 15, 2016,
correction dated January 4, 2017
(referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to
correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS
Several occurrences have been reported of
connecting rod bearing failure.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, possibly resulting in damage to the
powered sailplane.
To address this unsafe condition, Solo
Kleinmotoren developed a software update
for the engine control unit (ECU) to reduce
the load on the rod bearings, and issued SB/
TM 4600–6, providing instructions to upload
the modified software into the ECU.
For the reason described above, this AD
requires a modification, updating the ECU
software.
You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0158.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH has issued
Technische Mitteilung (English
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:51 Mar 01, 2017
Jkt 241001
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600–
6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue
1), dated November 16, 2016. This
service information contains a software
update that provides new settings to the
engine control unit (ECU) to lower the
load on the bearings of the crankshaft
and 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 3 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 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 $510, or $170 per
product.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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.
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12313
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA–
2017–0158; Directorate Identifier 2016–
CE–040–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 17,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
DG–500MB gliders, all serial numbers, that
are:
(1) Equipped with a Solo 2625 02 engine
that has been modified with a fuel injection
system following the instructions of Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin (SB)/
Technische Mitteilung (TM) 4600–3 ‘‘Fuel
Injection System’’ and re-identified as Solo
2625 02i, and with a serial number (S/N) up
to 369/207, except S/N’s 354/194, 356/196,
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 40 / Thursday, March 2, 2017 / Proposed Rules
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.
357/197, 358/198, 361/201, 362/202, 363/
203, 364/204, and 368/206; that are
(2) certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 73: Engine Fuel & Control.
(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 failure of
the connecting rod bearing resulting from too
much load on the rod bearings from the
engine control unit. We are issuing this
proposed AD to prevent such failure that
could lead to an uncommanded in-flight
engine shut-down, which could result in
damage to the glider.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) of this
AD:
(1) Within the next 60 days after the
effective date of this AD, modify the engine
by installing a software update for the engine
control unit (ECU) following the actions in
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische
Mitteilung (English translation: Service
Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6, Ausgabe 1 (English
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16,
2016.
(2) After the modification of an engine as
required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, do
not install a replacement ECU on that engine
and do not upload any software update to the
ECU of that engine unless the ECU software
version is as specified in Solo Kleinmotoren
GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600–6,
Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1),
dated November 16, 2016.
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with PROPOSALS
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) and (2) of this AD:
This service information contains German
to English translation. The EASA used the
English translation in referencing the
document. For enforceability purposes, we
will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service
information as it appears on the document.
(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,
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:14 Mar 01, 2017
Jkt 241001
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) AD No.: 2016–0254, dated
December 15, 2016, correction dated January
4, 2017, for related information. You may
examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0158. For
service information related to this AD,
contact Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach
600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany;
telephone: +49 703 1301–0; fax: +49 703
1301–136; email: aircraft@solo-germany.com;
Internet: https://aircraft.solo-online.com. 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 17, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–03967 Filed 3–1–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9055; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–071–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
proposal for certain Airbus Model A300
B4–600R series airplanes, Model A300
C4–605R Variant F airplanes, and Model
A300 F4–600R series airplanes. This
action revises the notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) by extending the
area to be inspected for cracking. This
SNPRM also proposes to require an
additional inspection for previously
inspected airplanes. We are proposing
this airworthiness directive (AD) to
address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions impose an
additional burden over those proposed
in the NPRM, we are reopening the
comment period to allow the public the
chance to comment on these proposed
changes.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on September 8, 2016 (81 FR
62026), is reopened.
We must receive comments on this
SNPRM by April 17, 2017.
DATES:
You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, 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, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this SNPRM, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced 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.
ADDRESSES:
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–
9055; 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.
Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125;
fax 425–227–1149.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\02MRP1.SGM
02MRP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 40 (Thursday, March 2, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 12312-12314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-03967]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0158; Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-040-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB gliders that are equipped with a Solo
2625 02 engine that has been modified with a fuel injection system
following the instructions of Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin
(SB)/Technische Mitteilung (TM) 4600-3 ``Fuel Injection System'' and
re-identified as Solo 2625 02i. 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 failure of the connecting rod bearing resulting from too
much load on the rod bearings from the engine control unit. 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 17, 2017.
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
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany;
telephone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: https://aircraft.solo-online.com. 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-2017-
0158; 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
[[Page 12313]]
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer,
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-2017-0158;
Directorate Identifier 2016-CE-040-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
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
AD No.: 2016-0254, dated December 15, 2016, correction dated January 4,
2017 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Several occurrences have been reported of connecting rod bearing
failure.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an uncommanded
in-flight engine shut-down, possibly resulting in damage to the
powered sailplane.
To address this unsafe condition, Solo Kleinmotoren developed a
software update for the engine control unit (ECU) to reduce the load
on the rod bearings, and issued SB/TM 4600-6, providing instructions
to upload the modified software into the ECU.
For the reason described above, this AD requires a modification,
updating the ECU software.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0158.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH has issued Technische Mitteilung (English
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016. This service
information contains a software update that provides new settings to
the engine control unit (ECU) to lower the load on the bearings of the
crankshaft and 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 3 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 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 $510, or $170 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:
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2017-0158; Directorate
Identifier 2016-CE-040-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 17, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH DG-500MB gliders, all
serial numbers, that are:
(1) Equipped with a Solo 2625 02 engine that has been modified
with a fuel injection system following the instructions of Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin (SB)/Technische Mitteilung (TM)
4600-3 ``Fuel Injection System'' and re-identified as Solo 2625 02i,
and with a serial number (S/N) up to 369/207, except S/N's 354/194,
356/196,
[[Page 12314]]
357/197, 358/198, 361/201, 362/202, 363/203, 364/204, and 368/206;
that are
(2) certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 73: Engine Fuel
& Control.
(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 failure of the
connecting rod bearing resulting from too much load on the rod
bearings from the engine control unit. We are issuing this proposed
AD to prevent such failure that could lead to an uncommanded in-
flight engine shut-down, which could result in damage to the glider.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs
(f)(1) and (2) of this AD:
(1) Within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD,
modify the engine by installing a software update for the engine
control unit (ECU) following the actions in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH
Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin), Nr.
4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), dated November 16,
2016.
(2) After the modification of an engine as required by paragraph
(f)(1) of this AD, do not install a replacement ECU on that engine
and do not upload any software update to the ECU of that engine
unless the ECU software version is as specified in Solo Kleinmotoren
GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin),
Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), dated November
16, 2016.
Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) and (2) of this AD:
This service information contains German to English translation.
The EASA used the English translation in referencing the document.
For enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren
service information as it appears on the document.
(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, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.:
2016-0254, dated December 15, 2016, correction dated January 4,
2017, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2017-0158. For service information related to this
AD, contact Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050
Sindelfingen, Germany; telephone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-
136; email: germany.com">aircraft@solo-germany.com; Internet: https://aircraft.solo-online.com. 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 17, 2017.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-03967 Filed 3-1-17; 8:45 am]
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