Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders, 47638-47641 [2020-17043]
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 152 / Thursday, August 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
as specified in paragraph (g)(12) of AD 2016–
17–15.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, New York ACO
Branch, 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 certification office,
send it to ATTN: Program Manager,
Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531. 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, New York ACO Branch,
FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation
(TCCA); or Bombardier, Inc.’s TCCA Design
Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by
the DAO, the approval must include the
DAO-authorized signature.
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(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Canadian
AD CF–2019–21, dated May 15, 2019, for
related information. This MCAI may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0987.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Aziz Ahmed, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe and Propulsion Section, FAA, New
York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue,
Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone
516–228–7329; fax 516–794–5531; email 9avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov.
(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airworthiness Limitations task 57–21–
112 to Part 6—Eddy Current, of Bombardier
Canadair Regional Jet CRJ200 Nondestructive
Testing Manual, CSP A–010, Revision 40,
dated November 10, 2018.
(ii) Bombardier CL–600–2B19 Temporary
Revision 2B–2273, dated October 31, 2019, to
Appendix B—Airworthiness Limitations, of
Part 2 of the Bombardier CL–600–2B19
Maintenance Requirements Manual.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 CoˆteVertu Road West, Dorval, Que´bec H4S 1Y9,
Canada; Widebody Customer Response
Center North America toll-free telephone 1–
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866–538–1247 or direct-dial telephone 1–
514–855–2999; fax 514–855–7401; email
ac.yul@aero.bombardier.com; internet
https://www.bombardier.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
206–231–3195.
(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,
email fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued on June 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17124 Filed 8–5–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2020–0600; Product
Identifier 2019–CE–043–AD; Amendment
39–21154; AD 2020–13–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG–500
Elan Orion, DG–500 Elan Trainer, DG–
500/20 Elan, DG–500/22 Elan, DG–
500M, and DG–500MB gliders and
certain Models DG–1000S and DG–
1000T gliders. This AD results from
mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the
aviation authority of another country to
identify and correct an unsafe condition
on an aviation product. The MCAI
describes the unsafe condition as the
rear locking rod of the rear canopy
rotating out of the threads of the
operating mechanism, which could lead
to blocking of the canopy emergency
release system, preventing safe escape of
occupants from the glider. The FAA is
issuing this AD to require actions to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
DATES:
This AD is effective August 26,
2020.
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The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of August 26, 2020.
The FAA must receive comments on
this AD by September 21, 2020.
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 the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
service information and Repair
Instruction RI–DG–05 identified in this
AD, contact DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH,
Otto Lilienthal Weg 2, D–76646,
Bruchsal, Germany, telephone: +49 (0)
7251 3020–0, fax: +49 (0) 7251 3020–
200; email: dirks@dgflugzeugbau.de;
internet: https://www.dgflugzeugbau.de/en/. You may view this
referenced service information at the
FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 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 and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0600.
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–2020–
0600; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA,
General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4165; fax: (816) 329–4090; email:
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 152 / Thursday, August 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Community, has issued EASA
AD No. 2019–0237R1, dated September
24, 2019, (referred to after this as ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG–
500 Elan Orion, DG–500 Elan Trainer,
DG–500/20 Elan, DG–500/22 Elan, DG–
500M and DG–500MB, and certain
Models DG–1000S and DG–1000T
gliders. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported where the
rear locking rod of the rear canopy rotated
out of the threads of the operating
mechanism. Due to the similarity in design,
the front canopy locking mechanism may
also be affected.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to blocking of the
canopy emergency release system, possibly
preventing safe escape of the occupant(s)
from the (powered) sailplane in case of an inflight emergency.
To address this unsafe condition, DGFlugzeugbau published the TN [DGFlugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note TN1000/
42 and TN500/13] and the RI [Repair
Instruction RI–DG–05] to provide inspection
and repair instructions.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of
the front and rear canopy to determine if the
end of the rear locking rod protrudes over the
canopy frame contour, and annual checks of
the front and rear canopy rear locking rods
to determine that they are screwed in tightly,
and, depending on findings, repair of the
canopy rear locking rods. This [EASA] AD
also requires amendment of the applicable
Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM).
This [EASA] AD is revised to remove the
references to the TN instruction paragraphs,
which have changed with TN issue 01.b. The
revised TN issues were added to the list of
reference publications.
You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2020–0600.
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Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed DG Flugzeugbau
GmbH Technical Note No. 1000/42,
Document No. TM1000–42 FE–29–01,
Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019;
and Technical Note TN500/13,
Document No. TM1000–42 FE–29–01,
Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019;
which are co-published as one
document. The service information
contains procedures for inspecting the
rear locking rods on both the front and
rear canopy for rod protrusion.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
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Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Repair
Instruction RI–DG–05, dated August 15,
2019. The service information is
referenced in DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
Technical Note No. 1000/42, Document
No. TM1000–42 FE–29–01, Issue 01.b,
dated September 11, 2019; and
Technical Note TN500/13, Document
No. TM1000–42 FE–29–01, Issue 01.b,
dated September 11, 2019; and contains
procedures for repairing the rear locking
rods of the canopy lock.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the AD
These products have been approved
by the aviation authority of another
country and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, it has notified us of
the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this AD because it evaluated all
information provided by the State of
Design Authority and determined the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the
same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI
The MCAI requires a daily inspection
of the front and rear canopy, and this
AD does not.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because the FAA has determined
that the required corrective actions must
be accomplished before further flight.
Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are impracticable. In
addition, for the reason stated above, it
finds that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
the FAA did not precede it by notice
and opportunity for public comment.
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
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47639
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2020–0600; Product Identifier
2019–CE–043–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. The FAA will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
Except for Confidential Business
Information (CBI) as described in the
following paragraph, and other
information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial
information that is both customarily and
actually treated as private by its owner.
Under the Freedom of Information Act
(FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt
from public disclosure. If your
comments responsive to this AD contain
commercial or financial information
that is customarily treated as private,
that you actually treat as private, and
that is relevant or responsive to this AD,
it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Please
mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ‘‘PROPIN.’’ The FAA
will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they
will not be placed in the public docket
of this AD. Submissions containing CBI
should be sent to Jim Rutherford,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General
Aviation & Rotorcraft Section,
International Validation Branch, 901
Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106. Any commentary that
the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will
affect 47 products of U.S. registry. The
FAA also estimates that it would take
1.5 work-hours per product to inspect
the canopy rear locking rods. In
addition, the FAA estimates that it
would take 0.5 work-hour per product
to revise the aircraft flight manual. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the annual cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $7,990, or $170 per
product.
In addition, the FAA estimates that
any necessary follow-on repairs to the
canopy rear locking rods will take 8
work-hours and require parts costing
$200, for a cost of $880 per product. The
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 152 / Thursday, August 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
FAA has no way of determining the
number of products that may need these
actions.
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.
The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (RFA) do not apply when
an agency finds good cause pursuant to
5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without
prior notice and comment. Because FAA
has determined that it has good cause to
adopt this rule without notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866,
and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
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canopy and repair any discrepancies by
following Instructions 1 through 3 in
TM1000–42 FE–29–01.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards
Branch, 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, General Aviation
& Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, 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 glider 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.
■
Authority for This Rulemaking
Adoption of the Amendment
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive:
■
2020–13–09 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH:
Amendment 39–21154; Docket No.
FAA–2020–0600; Product Identifier
2019–CE–043–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective August 26, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
Models DG–500 Elan Orion, DG–500 Elan
Trainer, DG–500/20 Elan, DG–500/22 Elan,
DG–500M, and DG–500MB gliders, all serial
numbers; and DG–1000S and DG–1000T
gliders, serial numbers up to and including
10–144; certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America
(ATA) Code 44: Cabin Systems.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the rear locking
rod of the rear canopy rotating out of the
threads of the operating mechanism. Due to
the similarity in design, the front canopy
locking mechanism may also be affected. The
FAA is issuing this AD to repetitively inspect
the front and rear canopy locking rods, and
make repairs as necessary, to prevent
blocking of the canopy emergency release
system, which could affect the evacuation of
occupants from the glider in an emergency.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following
actions:
(1) Before further flight after August 26,
2020 (the effective date of this AD), revise the
flight manual for your glider by inserting the
flight manual pages listed in Instruction 5 of
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note (TN)
No. 1000/42, Document No. TM1000–42 FE–
29–01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019,
and TN No. 500/13, Document No. TM1000–
42 FE–29–01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11,
2019, which are co-published as one
document (TM1000–42 FE–29–01). This
action may be performed by the owner/
operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot
certificate and must be entered into the
aircraft records showing compliance with
this AD in accordance with 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.
(2) Before further flight after August 26,
2020 (the effective date of this AD), and
thereafter at each annual inspection, inspect
the rear locking rods of the front and rear
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(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation
Safety Agency AD No. 2019–0237R1, dated
September 24, 2019. You may examine the
MCAI on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0600.
(i) 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) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note
No. 1000/42 Document No. TM1000–42 FE–
29–01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019.
(ii) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note
No. TN500/13, Document No. TM1000–42
FE–29–01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11,
2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No.
1000/42 Document No. TM1000–42 FE–29–
01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019; and
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No.
TN500/13, Document No. TM1000–42 FE–
29–01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019,
are co-published as one document.
(3) For the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH service
information and Repair Instruction RI–DG–05
identified in this AD, contact DGFlugzeugbau GmbH, Otto Lilienthal Weg 2,
D–76646, Bruchsal, Germany, telephone: +49
(0) 7251 3020–0, fax: +49 (0) 7251 3020–200;
email: dirks@dgflugzeugbau.de; internet:
https://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/en/.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 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 and
locating Docket No. FAA–2020–0600.
(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,
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Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 152 / Thursday, August 6, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
email: fedreg.legal@nara.gov, or go to:
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/
ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020–17043 Filed 8–5–20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–1056; Product
Identifier 2018–SW–047–AD; Amendment
39–21193; AD 2020–16–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Helicopters (Type Certificate
Previously Held by Eurocopter France)
Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009–25–
09 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus
Helicopters) Model SA330F, G, and J
helicopters. AD 2009–25–09 required readjusting the torque of the main gearbox
(MGB) flexible coupling bolts. Since the
FAA issued AD 2009–25–09, Airbus
Helicopters has modified the MGB
overhaul and repair procedures, which
corrects the unsafe condition.
Additionally, the FAA-validation for
Model SA330F and G helicopters has
been cancelled. This new AD retains the
requirements of AD 2009–25–09 and
revises the applicability by excluding
Model SA330F and G helicopters and
excludes MGBs that have been subject
to the modified procedures. The actions
of this AD are intended to address an
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
10, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 10, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of December 29, 2009 (74 FR 66045
December 14, 2009).
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus Helicopters, 2701 N Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052;
telephone 972–641–0000 or 800–232–
0323; fax 972–641–3775; or at https://
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:05 Aug 05, 2020
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www.airbus.com/helicopters/services/
technical-support.html. You may view
this service information at the FAA,
Office of the Regional Counsel,
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood
Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX
76177. It is also available on the internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–1056.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov in Docket No.
FAA–2019–1056; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this
AD, the European Aviation Safety
Agency (now European Union Aviation
Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, any service
information that is incorporated by
reference, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for
Docket Operations is 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 FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Blyn, Aviation Safety Engineer,
Safety Management Section, Rotorcraft
Standards Branch, FAA, 10101
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177;
telephone 817–222–5110; email
james.blyn@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to remove AD 2009–25–09,
Amendment 39–16128 (74 FR 66045,
December 14, 2009) (‘‘AD 2009–25–09’’)
and add a new AD. AD 2009–25–09
applied to Eurocopter France (now
Airbus Helicopters) Model SA330F, G,
and J helicopters. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on December 20,
2019 (84 FR 70076). AD 2009–25–09
was prompted by EASA AD No. 2008–
0049–E, dated March 3, 2008 and
corrected March 7, 2008 (EASA AD
2008–0049–E), to correct an unsafe
condition on Model SA 330 F, G, and
J helicopters. The NPRM proposed to
retain the attachment hardware torque
verification and re-adjustment
requirements of AD 2009–25–09, and
would revise the applicability paragraph
by excluding Model SA330F and G
helicopters and by excluding input
flexible coupling flange assemblies that
have been installed in an MGB that has
been overhauled after April 1, 2015.
The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD No. 2008–0049R1, dated December
PO 00000
Frm 00007
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
47641
18, 2015 (EASA AD 2008–0049R1),
issued by EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, to correct an unsafe
condition for Airbus Helicopters Model
SA 330 J helicopters. EASA advises that
since EASA AD 2008–0049–E was
issued, Airbus Helicopters has
improved its procedures for assembling
the flexible coupling-to-flanges during
MGB overhaul and maintenance of
individual flexible couplings. EASA
further states that the improved
maintenance procedures ensure the
correct torqueing of the attachment bolts
of the flexible couplings. Because of
these improved procedures, EASA AD
2008–0049R1 states that installing a
coupling-to-flange assembly that has
been subject to improved maintenance
procedures after April 1, 2015, is an
acceptable method to comply with the
requirements of that AD. The FAA
agrees with EASA’s determination and
therefore proposed to change AD 2009–
25–09 accordingly.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this AD, but did not receive any
comments on the NPRM.
FAA’s Determination
These helicopters have been approved
by EASA and are approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with the
European Union, EASA has notified the
FAA of the unsafe condition described
in its AD. The FAA is issuing this AD
after evaluating all information
provided by EASA and determining the
unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other helicopters of
these same type designs and that air
safety and the public interest require
adopting the AD requirements as
proposed.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Eurocopter
Emergency Alert Service Bulletin No.
05.95, dated March 3, 2008, and Airbus
Helicopters Emergency Alert Service
Bulletin No. 05.95, Revision 1, dated
October 22, 2015, which specify
procedures for readjusting or checking
the tightening torque load of the
hardware attaching the flexible coupling
to the sliding coupling flange and the
bolts attaching the flexible coupling to
the fixed coupling flange. Revision 1 of
this service information excludes from
its applicability certain flexible
coupling assemblies that have
undergone the improved procedures.
E:\FR\FM\06AUR1.SGM
06AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 152 (Thursday, August 6, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 47638-47641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17043]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2020-0600; Product Identifier 2019-CE-043-AD; Amendment
39-21154; AD 2020-13-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-
500/20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and DG-500MB gliders and certain
Models DG-1000S and DG-1000T gliders. This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as the rear locking rod of the rear canopy rotating out of
the threads of the operating mechanism, which could lead to blocking of
the canopy emergency release system, preventing safe escape of
occupants from the glider. The FAA is issuing this AD to require
actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 26, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 26,
2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by September 21, 2020.
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 the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH service information and Repair
Instruction RI-DG-05 identified in this AD, contact DG-Flugzeugbau
GmbH, Otto Lilienthal Weg 2, D-76646, Bruchsal, Germany, telephone: +49
(0) 7251 3020-0, fax: +49 (0) 7251 3020-200; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/en/.
You may view this referenced service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0600.
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-2020-
0600; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for Docket
Operations is listed above. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation
Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone:
(816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected].
[[Page 47639]]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued EASA AD No. 2019-0237R1, dated September 24, 2019, (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/
20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M and DG-500MB, and certain Models DG-
1000S and DG-1000T gliders. The MCAI states:
Occurrences have been reported where the rear locking rod of the
rear canopy rotated out of the threads of the operating mechanism.
Due to the similarity in design, the front canopy locking mechanism
may also be affected.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
blocking of the canopy emergency release system, possibly preventing
safe escape of the occupant(s) from the (powered) sailplane in case
of an in-flight emergency.
To address this unsafe condition, DG-Flugzeugbau published the
TN [DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note TN1000/42 and TN500/13] and
the RI [Repair Instruction RI-DG-05] to provide inspection and
repair instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the front and rear canopy to determine if
the end of the rear locking rod protrudes over the canopy frame
contour, and annual checks of the front and rear canopy rear locking
rods to determine that they are screwed in tightly, and, depending
on findings, repair of the canopy rear locking rods. This [EASA] AD
also requires amendment of the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual
(AFM).
This [EASA] AD is revised to remove the references to the TN
instruction paragraphs, which have changed with TN issue 01.b. The
revised TN issues were added to the list of reference publications.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-
0600.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 1000/42,
Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019;
and Technical Note TN500/13, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue
01.b, dated September 11, 2019; which are co-published as one document.
The service information contains procedures for inspecting the rear
locking rods on both the front and rear canopy for rod protrusion.
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.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Repair Instruction RI-DG-05, dated August 15,
2019. The service information is referenced in DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
Technical Note No. 1000/42, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue
01.b, dated September 11, 2019; and Technical Note TN500/13, Document
No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019; and
contains procedures for repairing the rear locking rods of the canopy
lock.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD
These products have been approved by the aviation authority of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, it has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA is issuing this
AD because it evaluated all information provided by the State of Design
Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI requires a daily inspection of the front and rear canopy,
and this AD does not.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because the
FAA has determined that the required corrective actions must be
accomplished before further flight. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable.
In addition, for the reason stated above, it finds that good cause
exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data,
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2020-0600;
Product Identifier 2019-CE-043-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you
provide. The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive
verbal contact received about this AD.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Jim
Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD will affect 47 products of U.S.
registry. The FAA also estimates that it would take 1.5 work-hours per
product to inspect the canopy rear locking rods. In addition, the FAA
estimates that it would take 0.5 work-hour per product to revise the
aircraft flight manual. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the annual cost of this
AD on U.S. operators to be $7,990, or $170 per product.
In addition, the FAA estimates that any necessary follow-on repairs
to the canopy rear locking rods will take 8 work-hours and require
parts costing $200, for a cost of $880 per product. The
[[Page 47640]]
FAA has 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.
The FAA is 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 Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without notice and comment,
RFA analysis is not required.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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 airworthiness
directive:
2020-13-09 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-21154; Docket No. FAA-
2020-0600; Product Identifier 2019-CE-043-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 26,
2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion,
DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and
DG-500MB gliders, all serial numbers; and DG-1000S and DG-1000T
gliders, serial numbers up to and including 10-144; certificated in
any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 44: Cabin
Systems.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the rear locking rod of the rear canopy
rotating out of the threads of the operating mechanism. Due to the
similarity in design, the front canopy locking mechanism may also be
affected. The FAA is issuing this AD to repetitively inspect the
front and rear canopy locking rods, and make repairs as necessary,
to prevent blocking of the canopy emergency release system, which
could affect the evacuation of occupants from the glider in an
emergency.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Before further flight after August 26, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD), revise the flight manual for your glider by
inserting the flight manual pages listed in Instruction 5 of DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note (TN) No. 1000/42, Document No.
TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019, and TN No.
500/13, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September
11, 2019, which are co-published as one document (TM1000-42 FE-29-
01). This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot)
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in
accordance with 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.
(2) Before further flight after August 26, 2020 (the effective
date of this AD), and thereafter at each annual inspection, inspect
the rear locking rods of the front and rear canopy and repair any
discrepancies by following Instructions 1 through 3 in TM1000-42 FE-
29-01.
(g) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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, General Aviation & Rotorcraft
Section, International Validation Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301,
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816)
329-4090; email: [email protected]. Before using any approved
AMOC on any glider 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.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD No. 2019-
0237R1, dated September 24, 2019. You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0600.
(i) 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) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 1000/42 Document No.
TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019.
(ii) DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. TN500/13, Document
No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
Technical Note No. 1000/42 Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue
01.b, dated September 11, 2019; and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical
Note No. TN500/13, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b,
dated September 11, 2019, are co-published as one document.
(3) For the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH service information and Repair
Instruction RI-DG-05 identified in this AD, contact DG-Flugzeugbau
GmbH, Otto Lilienthal Weg 2, D-76646, Bruchsal, Germany, telephone:
+49 (0) 7251 3020-0, fax: +49 (0) 7251 3020-200; email:
[email protected]; internet: https://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/en/.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA,
Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 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 and locating Docket No. FAA-2020-0600.
(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,
[[Page 47641]]
email: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on June 19, 2020.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17043 Filed 8-5-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
