Airworthiness directives: S.N. CENTRAIR,

[Federal Register: January 5, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 2)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 441-443]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr05ja99-24]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-CE-50-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; S.N. CENTRAIR 101 Series Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to all S.N. CENTRAIR (CENTRAIR) 101 series gliders that have modification 101-24 (major cockpit configuration equipped on all gliders manufactured since 1990) incorporated, and do not have modification 101-21 (minor modifications to this cockpit configuration) incorporated. The proposed AD would require securing an attachment lug to the battery discharge warning device on the glider bracket. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for France. The

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actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent elevator flight control interference caused by an unsecured battery discharge warning device, which could result in reduced or loss of glider control.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before February 11, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-50-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. Comments may be inspected at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

Service information that applies to the proposed AD may be obtained from S.N. CENTRAIR, Aerodome--36300 Le Blanc, France; telephone: 02.54.37.07.96; facsimile: 02.54.37.48.64. This information also may be examined at the Rules Docket at the address above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.

Communications should identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule.

The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filedin the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments to Docket No. 98-CE-50-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-CE-50-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

Discussion

The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all CENTRAIR 101 series gliders that have modification 101-24 (major cockpit configuration equipped on all gliders manufactured since 1990) incorporated, and do not have modification 101-21 (minor modifications to this cockpit configuration) incorporated. The DGAC reports that the battery discharge warning device was not secure during a routine inspection on one of the affected gliders.

If the battery discharge warning device is not secure on the bracket of the glider, the pilot could experience a loss of elevator control with no warning of the loss of power.

Relevant Service Information

CENTRAIR has issued Service Bulletin No. 101-19, Revision 1, dated May 20, 1997, which specifies procedures for securing an attachment lug to the battery discharge warning device on the glider bracket.

The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued French AD 97-149(A), dated July 16, 1997, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these gliders in France.

The FAA's Determination

These glider models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above.

The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC; reviewed all available information, including the service information referenced above; and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of the Provisions of the Proposed AD

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop in other CENTRAIR 101 series gliders of the same type design that are registered in the United States, the FAA is proposing AD action. The proposed AD would require securing an attachment lug (part number $Y986A or an FAA-approved equivalent part number) to the battery discharge warning device on the glider bracket.

Accomplishment of the proposed action would be required in accordance with CENTRAIR Service Bulletin No. 101-19, Revision 1, dated May 20, 1997.

The affected gliders have modification 101-24 (major cockpit configuration equipped on all gliders manufactured since 1990) incorporated, and do not have modification 101-21 (minor modifications to this cockpit configuration) incorporated.

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

The compliance time of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). The unsafe condition described by the proposed AD is not a result of repetitive glider operation. The loss of battery power to the elevator control system could occur regardless of whether the glider is in flight. Therefore, to assure that the above-referenced condition is corrected on all of the affected gliders within a reasonable period of time without inadvertently grounding any gliders, a compliance schedule based upon calendar time instead of hours TIS is proposed.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 63 gliders in the U.S. registry would be affected by the proposed AD, that it would take approximately 4 workhours per glider to accomplish the proposed action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $15 per glider. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,065, or $255 per glider.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct effects 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. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this proposal would not have sufficient

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federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

   Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows:

   S.N. Centrair: Docket No. 98-CE-50-AD.

   Applicability: Models 101, 101A, 101P, and 101AP gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category; that have modification 101-24 (major cockpit configuration equipped on all gliders manufactured since 1990) incorporated, and do not have modification 101-21 (minor modifications to this cockpit configuration) incorporated.

   Note 1: This AD applies to each glider identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For gliders that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

   Compliance: Required within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

   To prevent elevator flight control interference caused by an unsecured battery discharge warning device, which could result in reduced or loss of glider control, accomplish the following:

   (a) Secure an attachment lug (part number $Y986A or an FAA- approved equivalent part number) to the battery discharge warning device on the glider bracket, in accordance with CENTRAIR Service Bulletin No. 101-19, Revision 1, dated May 20, 1997.

   (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the glider to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

   (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

   Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

   (d) Questions or technical information related to CENTRAIR Service Bulletin No. 101-19, Revision 1, dated May 20, 1997, should be directed to S.N. CENTRAIR, Aerodome--36300 Le Blanc, France; telephone: 02.54.37.07.96; facsimile: 02.54.37.48.64. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

   Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 97- 149(A), dated July 16, 1997.

   Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 29, 1998. Marvin R. Nuss, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

   [FR Doc. 99-46Filed1-4-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 4910-13-U