Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Sailplanes
Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 149 (Tuesday, August 4, 2015)
Federal Register Volume 80, Number 149 (Tuesday, August 4, 2015)
Proposed Rules
Pages 46206-46208
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2015-18955
Page 46206
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2015-3224; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-026-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Models Duo Discus and Duo Discus T powered sailplanes. 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 excessive load on the air brake system. 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 September 18, 2015.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany; telephone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-199; email: hirth.com">info@schempp-hirth.com; Internet: http://www.schempp-hirth.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 http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
3224; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-3224; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-026-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 http://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 AD No. 2015-0139R1, dated July 15, 2015 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Operational experience shows that application of an excessive load on the air brake system may induce damage to the drive funnels in the fuselage and to the air brake bellcrank at the root rips of the wing.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an uncontrolled actuation of the air brakes (symmetric and asymmetric), possibly resulting in reduced control of the (powered) sailplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH issued Technical Note (TN) 380-2, 396-17, 868-22 and 890-14 (published as a single document) to provide inspection instructions.
Consequently EASA issued AD 2015-0139 to require to repetitive inspections of the air brake bellcrank, the air brake drive funnels and the airbrake control system, and replacement of damaged parts.
Since that AD was issued, it was found that the drawing number of the reinforced air brake drive funnel was incorrectly stated in the original issue of the Schempp-Hirth TN. The wrongly referred drawing S14FB703 refers to an existing part, different from air brake drive funnel and cannot be installed as a replacement part for air brake drive funnel. Consequently, Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH issued Revision 1 of TN 380-2, 396-17, 868-22 and 890-14, hearafter referenced to as `the revised TN' in this AD.
For the reasons described above, this AD is revised to require using the revised TN.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3224.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH has issued Technical Note No. 380-2/
396-17/868-22/890-14, Revision 1, issued July 13, 2015 (published as a single document), and Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/
396-17/868-22/890-14, Ausgabe (English translation: Issue) 1, Datum (English translation: Dated) May 11, 2015. The service information describes
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procedures for inspecting and replacing the airbrake bell crank and the airbrake drive funnels and inspecting the airbrake control system for proper clearance and making necessary adjustments. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 31 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic inspection 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 $5,270, or $170 per product.
We estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the airbrake bell crank replacement requirement of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $500 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $26,040, or $840 per product.
We estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the airbrake drive funnel replacement requirement of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $500 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $26,040, or $840 per product
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions to make any necessary adjustments to the airbrake control system would take about 2 work-hours for a cost of $170 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications 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
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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
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The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2015-3224; Directorate Identifier 2015-CE-026-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by September 18, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus powered sailplane, serial numbers 1 through 639, and Model Duo Discus T powered sailplanes, serial numbers 1 through 110 and 112 through 247, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as excessive load on the air brake system. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontrolled actuation of the air brakes (symmetric or asymmetric), which could result in reduced control.
(f) Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the actions in paragraph (f)(1) through (f)(5) of this AD.
(1) Within 40 days after the effective date of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-
in-service until the terminating replacement action required in paragraphs (f)(2) and (f)(3) of this AD (as applicable) is done, inspect the airbrake bell crank, the airbrake drive funnels, and the airbrake control system.
(i) Inspect the airbrake bell crank and the airbrake drive funnels for cracks and damage following Action 1 in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-14, Revision 1, issued July 13, 2015 (published as a single document).
(ii) Inspect the airbrake control system for proper clearance following Paragraph 2.d. of Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(2) If cracks or damage is found on the airbrake bell cranks or the airbrake drive funnels during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, replace each cracked or damaged part
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with a reinforced part. Installing a reinforced part terminates the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD for that part.
(i) For replacement of the airbrake bell cranks, follow Picture 2: Reinforced version of airbrake bell crank according to HS 11-
50.016, Revision a or later, in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-
14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(ii) For replacement of the airbrake drive funnels, follow Picture 5: Airbrake drive funnel in fuselage ``Reinforcement of airbrake drive funnel according to drawing S14RB703, Revision a, in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(3) If no cracks or damage were found on the airbrake bell cranks or the airbrake drive funnels during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace each the airbrake bell cranks and airbrake drive funnels with a reinforced part. These replacements terminate the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(i) For replacement of the airbrake bell cranks, follow Picture 2: Reinforced version of airbrake bell crank according to HS 11-
50.016, Revision a or later, in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-
14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(ii) For replacement of the airbrake drive funnels, follow Picture 5: Airbrake drive funnel in fuselage, ``Reinforcement of airbrake drive funnel according to drawing S14RB703, Revision a,'' in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(4) If the airbrake control system is found to not have proper clearance during the inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, make all necessary corrective adjustments following Paragraph 2.d. of Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, only install an airbrake bell crank or an airbrake drive funnel that corresponds to Picture 2: Reinforced version of airbrake bell crank according to HS 11-50.016, Revision a or later, and Picture 5: Airbrake drive funnel in fuselage, ``Reinforcement of airbrake drive funnel according to drawing S14RB703, Revision a,'' in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instruction for Technical Note No. 380-2/396-17/868-22/890-
14, Ausgabe (English translation: issue) 1, Datum (English translation: dated) May 11, 2015, as applicable.
(g) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(h) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2015-0139R1, dated July 15, 2015, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3224. For service information related to this AD, contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany; telephone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-199; email: hirth.com">info@schempp-hirth.com; Internet: http://www.schempp-hirth.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 July 28, 2015.
Pat Mullen,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2015-18955 Filed 8-3-15; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
