Airworthiness Directives; Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Gliders, 7681-7683 [2022-02717]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations FAA; or TCCA; or Airbus Canada Limited Partnership’s TCCA Design Approval Organization (DAO). If approved by the DAO, the approval must include the DAOauthorized signature. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (k) Related Information [Docket No. FAA–2021–0944; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00800–G; Amendment 39–21925; AD 2022–03–08] For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth Dowling, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Systems and Administrative Services Section, FAA, New York ACO Branch, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7300; fax 516–794–5531; email 9-avs-nyaco-cos@faa.gov. (l) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference 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) Transport Canada Civil Aviation AD CF–2021–01, dated January 8, 2021. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For TCCA AD CF–2021–01, contact Transport Canada National Aircraft Certification, 159 Cleopatra Drive, Nepean, Ontario K1A 0N5, Canada; telephone 888– 663–3639; email AD-CN@tc.gc.ca; internet https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation. (4) You may view this material 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 material that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https:// www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html. Issued on January 20, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02753 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am] jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Gliders Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft— und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL gliders. This AD was prompted by 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 corrosion on the elevator control pushrod. This AD requires inspecting the elevator control pushrod for water and corrosion and replacing the pushrod if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 2022. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D–88487 Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: info@LTBLindner.com; website: https://www.ltblindner.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 7681 searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0944. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0944; 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 final rule, the MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The 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: Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4165; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2021 (86 FR 59903). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2020– 0138, dated June 19, 2020 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to address an unsafe condition on Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL gliders. The MCAI states: During a routine inspection, a severely corroded elevator control pushrod was found in the vertical fin on a Grob TWIN ASTIR sailplane. The technical investigation results revealed that water had soaked into the elevator control pushrod, causing the corrosion damage and subsequent considerable weakening of the steel tube pushrod. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the elevator control pushrod, possibly resulting in loss of control of the sailplane. To address this unsafe condition, Fiberglas-Technik R. Lindner GmbH & Co.KG published the [technische mitteilung/service bulletin] TM/SB and [anweisung/ E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 7682 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations instructions] A/I–G09, at original issue, providing instructions for elevator control pushrod inspection and replacement. Prompted by this development, EASA issued AD 2020–0121 to require a one-time inspection of the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin and, depending on findings, replacement. After EASA AD 2020–0121 was issued, it was determined that Grob G 103 ‘‘TWIN II’’ sailplanes, and additional Grob G 103 A ‘‘TWIN II ACRO’’ sailplanes, are also prone to elevator control pushrod corrosion and Fiberglas-Technik R.Lindner GmbH & Co.KG issued the TM/SB to make the inspection instructions applicable to these sailplane models. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2020–0121, which is superseded, and expands the Applicability. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021– 0944. Comments The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the costs. Conclusion This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 The FAA reviewed Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I–G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service information provides instructions to inspect the elevator control pushrod for water and corrosion, replace the elevator control pushrod if any water or corrosion is found, and apply corrosion prevention if no water and no corrosion are found. 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 ADDRESSES. 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 The FAA also reviewed FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner Service Bulletin (SB–G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service information refers to the instructions in A/I–G09 to inspect and replace the elevator control pushrod on various gliders. The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Service Bulletin TM 315–34, dated December 8, 1987. This service information provides effectivity, reason, and high-level instructions for inspecting and replacing the elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II ACRO gliders. The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Repair Instructions No. 315–34 for Service Bulletin TM 315–34, dated December 8, 1987. This service information provides more detailed instructions for inspecting and replacing the elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II ACRO gliders. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive VerDate Sep<11>2014 Other Related Service Information The MCAI applies to Model ASTIR CS 77, ASTIR CS Jeans, CLUB ASTIR II, STANDARD ASTIR II, TWIN ASTIR TRAINER, GROB G 103 C ‘‘TWIN III,’’ ASTIR CS 77 TOP, ASTIR CS JEANS TOP, and ASTIR CS TOP gliders. This AD does not apply to these model gliders because they do not have an FAA type certificate. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 149 gliders of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates that it would take about 4 work-hours per glider to inspect the elevator control pushrod and require parts costing $100. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost to inspect the elevator control pushrod on U.S. operators to be $65,560 or $440 per glider. In addition, the FAA estimates that for gliders with water or corrosion within the elevator control pushrod, replacement would take about 8 workhours and require parts costing $500. The average labor rate is $85 per workhour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost to replace the elevator control pushrod on U.S. operators to be $1,180 per glider. 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 Findings 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD. (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866, (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and (3) 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 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] Authority for This Rulemaking 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 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. 2022–03–08 Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG): Amendment 39–21925; Docket No. FAA–2021–0944; Project Identifier MCAI–2020–00800–G. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 ■ E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 28 / Thursday, February 10, 2022 / Rules and Regulations (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022. effective date of this AD using FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/ Instructions (A/I–G09), dated April 8, 2020. (b) Affected ADs None. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@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. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category: (1) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG, GROB TFE, GROB–WERKE GMBH & CO KG (a division of Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau)) Model G102 ASTIR CS. (2) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft—und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103 C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2730, Elevator Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by 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 corrosion on the elevator control pushrod. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the elevator control pushrod and loss of control of the glider. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with RULES1 (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin for water and corrosion and replace the elevator control pushrod before further flight if there is any water or corrosion in accordance with the Actions and Instructions, paragraph 3, of FiberglasTechnik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/ Instructions (A/I–G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. (2) If no water and no corrosion is detected, before further flight, treat the inside of the elevator control pushrod with corrosion preventative LPS 3 or equivalent. (3) If required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you must replace the elevator control pushrod before further flight with an elevator control pushrod that has zero hours TIS or with an elevator control pushrod that has passed the inspection in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD. (h) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed these actions before the VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:22 Feb 09, 2022 Jkt 256001 (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329–4165; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020–0138, dated June 19, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2021–0944. (k) 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) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I–G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): This service information contains German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in referencing the document from Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the service information in English as it appears on the document. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D–88487 Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: info@LTB-Lindner.com; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.com. (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222–5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 7683 the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 20, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022–02717 Filed 2–9–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2021–1012; Project Identifier MCAI–2021–00697–R; Amendment 39–21916; AD 2022–02–19] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135P3, EC135T1, EC135T2, EC135T2+, and EC135T3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of restricted collective lever movement caused by entanglement of the emergency flashlight strap with the cargo hook emergency release lever, causing the emergency flashlight to leave its seat. This AD requires replacing each affected emergency flashlight with a serviceable part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2022. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 2022. ADDRESSES: For EASA material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 8999 000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. For Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus Helicopters, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10FER1.SGM 10FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7681-7683]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02717]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00800-G; 
Amendment 39-21925; AD 2022-03-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & 
Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob 
Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und 
Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate 
previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob 
Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Model 
G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C 
TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL gliders. This AD was prompted by 
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 corrosion on the elevator control pushrod. This AD 
requires inspecting the elevator control pushrod for water and 
corrosion and replacing the pushrod if necessary. The FAA is issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective March 17, 2022.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 17, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D-
88487 Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: 
Lindner.com">[email protected]Lindner.com; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.com. You may 
view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products 
Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(817) 222-5110. It is also available at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; 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 final rule, the 
MCAI, any comments received, and other information. The 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: Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety 
Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International 
Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; 
phone: (816) 329-4165; email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Fiberglas-Technik 
Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 
TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III 
SL gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 29, 
2021 (86 FR 59903). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the 
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 
2020-0138, dated June 19, 2020 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf 
Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Model G102 ASTIR CS, G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN 
II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL 
gliders. The MCAI states:

    During a routine inspection, a severely corroded elevator 
control pushrod was found in the vertical fin on a Grob TWIN ASTIR 
sailplane. The technical investigation results revealed that water 
had soaked into the elevator control pushrod, causing the corrosion 
damage and subsequent considerable weakening of the steel tube 
pushrod.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the elevator control pushrod, possibly resulting in loss 
of control of the sailplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Fiberglas-Technik R. Lindner 
GmbH & Co.KG published the [technische mitteilung/service bulletin] 
TM/SB and [anweisung/

[[Page 7682]]

instructions] A/I-G09, at original issue, providing instructions for 
elevator control pushrod inspection and replacement. Prompted by 
this development, EASA issued AD 2020-0121 to require a one-time 
inspection of the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin and, 
depending on findings, replacement.
    After EASA AD 2020-0121 was issued, it was determined that Grob 
G 103 ``TWIN II'' sailplanes, and additional Grob G 103 A ``TWIN II 
ACRO'' sailplanes, are also prone to elevator control pushrod 
corrosion and Fiberglas-Technik R.Lindner GmbH & Co.KG issued the 
TM/SB to make the inspection instructions applicable to these 
sailplane models.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2020-0121, which is superseded, and expands 
the Applicability.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
0944.

Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive

Comments

    The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the costs.

Conclusion

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, it 
has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant 
data and determined that air safety requires adopting this AD as 
proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products. This AD is adopted as proposed in the 
NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/
Instructions (A/I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service 
information provides instructions to inspect the elevator control 
pushrod for water and corrosion, replace the elevator control pushrod 
if any water or corrosion is found, and apply corrosion prevention if 
no water and no corrosion are found. 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 
ADDRESSES.

Other Related Service Information

    The FAA also reviewed Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Service 
Bulletin (SB-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. This service 
information refers to the instructions in A/I-G09 to inspect and 
replace the elevator control pushrod on various gliders.
    The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Service Bulletin TM 315-34, dated 
December 8, 1987. This service information provides effectivity, 
reason, and high-level instructions for inspecting and replacing the 
elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II ACRO gliders.
    The FAA reviewed Grob TFE Repair Instructions No. 315-34 for 
Service Bulletin TM 315-34, dated December 8, 1987. This service 
information provides more detailed instructions for inspecting and 
replacing the elevator control pushrod on certain Model G 103 A TWIN II 
ACRO gliders.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI

    The MCAI applies to Model ASTIR CS 77, ASTIR CS Jeans, CLUB ASTIR 
II, STANDARD ASTIR II, TWIN ASTIR TRAINER, GROB G 103 C ``TWIN III,'' 
ASTIR CS 77 TOP, ASTIR CS JEANS TOP, and ASTIR CS TOP gliders. This AD 
does not apply to these model gliders because they do not have an FAA 
type certificate.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD affects 149 gliders of U.S. 
registry. The FAA estimates that it would take about 4 work-hours per 
glider to inspect the elevator control pushrod and require parts 
costing $100. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on 
these figures, the FAA estimates the cost to inspect the elevator 
control pushrod on U.S. operators to be $65,560 or $440 per glider.
    In addition, the FAA estimates that for gliders with water or 
corrosion within the elevator control pushrod, replacement would take 
about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $500. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates 
the cost to replace the elevator control pushrod on U.S. operators to 
be $1,180 per glider.

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 Findings

    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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD.
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) 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 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:

2022-03-08 Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG): Amendment 39-21925; Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; Project 
Identifier MCAI-2020-00800-G.

[[Page 7683]]

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following gliders, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category:
    (1) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type 
certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG, GROB TFE, GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (a division of Burkhart 
Grob Flugzeugbau)) Model G102 ASTIR CS.
    (2) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type 
certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH 
i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft--und Raumfahrt GmbH & 
Co. KG) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, 
G103 C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2730, Elevator 
Control System.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by 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 corrosion on the 
elevator control pushrod. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, 
could result in failure of the elevator control pushrod and loss of 
control of the glider.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    (1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective 
date of this AD, inspect the elevator control pushrod in the 
vertical fin for water and corrosion and replace the elevator 
control pushrod before further flight if there is any water or 
corrosion in accordance with the Actions and Instructions, paragraph 
3, of Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-
G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020.
    (2) If no water and no corrosion is detected, before further 
flight, treat the inside of the elevator control pushrod with 
corrosion preventative LPS 3 or equivalent.
    (3) If required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you must replace 
the elevator control pushrod before further flight with an elevator 
control pushrod that has zero hours TIS or with an elevator control 
pushrod that has passed the inspection in accordance with paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD.

(h) Credit for Previous Actions

    You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed these actions before the 
effective date of this AD using Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner 
Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-G09), dated April 8, 2020.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation 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 the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD 
and email to: [email protected].
    (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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, 
Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, 
International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; email: 
[email protected].
    (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2020-0138, dated June 19, 2020, for more information. You may 
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov 
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0944.

(k) 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) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/
I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020.

    Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): This service information contains 
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in 
referencing the document from Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner. For 
enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the service information 
in English as it appears on the document.

    (ii) [Reserved]
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D-88487 
Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: Lindner.com">[email protected]Lindner.com; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at FAA, Airworthiness 
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material 
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (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: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued on January 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02717 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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