[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 100 (Thursday, May 23, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30791-30793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-12308]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0450; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-010-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau 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 all
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Models AS-K13, Ka2B,
Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B sailplanes
that would supersede an existing AD. 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 misalignment of the automatic elevator control connection.
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 July 8, 2013.
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
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co Segelflugzeugbau, Stra[szlig]e 1 D--
36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: ++49 (0) 6658/89-0; fax: ++49 (0)
6658/89-40; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/. You may review copies of the 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; 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:
[email protected].
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-2013-0450;
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-010-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
On March 5, 1964, we issued AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227,
March 11, 1964). That AD required actions intended to address an unsafe
condition on some of the products listed above.
Since we issued AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, March 11,
1964) the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has
issued a new AD to add additional sailplane models to the applicability
and to add additional inspections of the elevator control connection.
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau has also issued
revised service information to address the unsafe condition.
The EASA has issued AD No. 2013-0091, dated April 12, 2013
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
A recent report has been received concerning a problem with the
elevator control during take-off of an ASK 13 sailplane. The results
of the technical investigation revealed a misalignment in the
automatic elevator control connection, presumably caused by an
incorrect repair or damage at the tail-plane-area. In addition,
similar elevator connection failure during early 1960's which led to
the issuance of LBA LTM 4/62. However, LTM, 4/62 did not apply to
ASK 13 and ASK 18 sailplanes coming later into production.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure
of the automatic elevator control connection, possibly resulting in
loss of control of the sailplane.
To address this unsafe condition, Alexander Schleicher GmbH issued a
Technical Note (TN) (Ka 6 TN-Nr. 26; K 7 TN-Nr. 24; K 8 TN-Nr. 30;
ASK 13 TN-Nr. 19; ASK 18 TN-Nr. 9) providing instructions for
elevator control inspection and replacement and EASA issued AD 2012-
0246 to require accomplishment of those instructions.
Since that AD was issued, Alexander Schleicher GmbH issued a
revision of TN (Ka 6 TN-Nr. 26; K 7 TN-Nr. 24; K 8 TN-Nr. 30; ASK 13
TN-Nr. 19, ASK 18 TN-Nr. 9), dated 08 January 2013 to re-introduce a
pushrod support modification for K 7 and K 8 sailplanes, previously
required by LBA LTM 4/62, but no longer required by EASA AD 2012-
0246, which superseded the LBA LTM.
For the reasons described above, this AD retains the requirements of
EASA AD 2012-0246, which is superseded, and additionally requires,
for K 7 and K 8 sailplanes, verification of embodiment of pushrod
support modification, and depending on finding, pushrod support
modification.
[[Page 30792]]
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau has issued
Technical Note for Ka 2 and Ka 2b--TM-Nr. 13, Ka 6--TM-Nr. 26, K 7--TM-
Nr. 24, K 8--TM-Nr. 30, ASK 13--TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18--TM-Nr. 9, Revision
1, dated January 8, 2013. The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in
the MCAI.
The service information issued by Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau referenced above contains German to English
translation. On the document we received it cites the use of ``TM,''
which is an abbreviation for Technische Mitteilung. The English
translation for Technische Mitteilung is Technical Note. EASA used the
English translation in referencing the document from Alexander
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, as stated in the Discussion
section above.
For enforceability purposes, we will cite references to the
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau service information as
it appears on the document.
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 127 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would take about .5 work-hour per
product to comply with the new 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 initial
inspection proposed in this AD on U.S. operators to be $5,397.50, or
$42.50 per product.
We have no way of determining the number of repetitive inspections
an owner/operator will incur over the life of the sailplane.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $119, for a cost of
$204 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products
that may need these actions.
We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product
to comply with actions retained from AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR
3227, March 11, 1964) for Models Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C,
Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B sailplanes in this proposed AD, which
affects 112 products of U.S. registry, and may require parts costing
$103, for a cost of $273 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227,
March 11, 1964), and adding the following new AD:
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau: Docket No. FAA-
2013-0450; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-010-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by July 8, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227; March
11, 1964).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau Models AS -K13, Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6
C, Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B sailplanes, all serial numbers,
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 misalignment of
the automatic elevator control connection. The European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new AD to add additional sailplane
models to the applicability and to add additional inspections of the
elevator control connection. Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau has also issued revised service information to
address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the automatic elevator control connection, which could
result in loss of control.
(f) Actions and Compliance Retained From AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29
FR 3227, March 1, 1964)
Unless already done, do the following actions specified in
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
[[Page 30793]]
(1) For Models Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7,
K8, and K 8 B: Unless already done, within the next 10 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after April 13, 1964 (the effective date retained
from AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, March 1, 1964)),
inspect the automatic elevator control rod for conformity following
Alexander Schleicher Automatic Elevator Connection document, dated
December 5, 1961.
(2) For Models Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7,
K8, and K 8 B: If any discrepancy is found during the inspection
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, make
any necessary repairs or modification following Civil Aeronautics
Manual (CAM) 18, dated February 11, 1936, which can be found at the
following Web site: http://ntl1.specialcollection.net/scripts/ws.dll?websearch&site=dot_cams.
(3) For Models Ka2B, K7, K8 and K 8 B: Unless already done,
within the next 10 hours TIS after April 13, 1964 (the effective
date retained from AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, March 1,
1964)), install an additional push pull rod support. For Models
Ka2B, follow Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 7, dated July 4,
1962. For Models K7, follow Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 8,
dated November 23, 1961. For Models K8, follow Alexander Schleicher
Modification No. 7, dated November 24, 1961.
(g) New Actions and Compliance
Unless already done, do the following actions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) For all models: Within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12
months, inspect the elevator control rod in the tailplane following
the Action section in Alexander Schleicher Technical Note for Ka 2
and Ka 2b-TM-Nr. 13, Ka 6-TM-Nr. 26, K 7-TM-Nr. 24, K 8-TM-Nr. 30,
ASK 13-TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18-TM-Nr. 9, Revision 1, dated January 8,
2013.
(2) For all models: During any inspection required in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, if any bend and/or misaligned elevator control
connection is detected, before further flight after the inspection,
replace the elevator control connection with a serviceable part. Do
the replacement following the Action section in Alexander Schleicher
Technical Note for Ka 2 and Ka 2b-TM-Nr. 13, Ka 6-TM-Nr. 26, K 7-TM-
Nr. 24, K 8-TM-Nr. 30, ASK 13-TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18-TM-Nr. 9, Revision
1, dated January 8, 2013.
(h) Credit for Actions Done Following Previous Service Information
This AD provides credit for the initial inspection required in
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and any necessary replacement required
in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if already done before the effective
date of this AD following the Action sections in Alexander
Schleicher Technical Note for Ka 2 and Ka 2b-TM-Nr. 13, Ka 6-TM-Nr.
26, K 7-TM-Nr. 24, K 8-TM-Nr. 30, ASK 13-TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18-TM-Nr. 9,
dated August 30, 2012.
(i) 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:
[email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC on any
sailplane 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.
(j) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.
2013-0091, dated April 12, 2013; Alexander Schleicher Automatic
Elevator Connection document, dated December 5, 1961; Civil
Aeronautics Manual (CAM) 18, dated February 11, 1936; Alexander
Schleicher Modification No. 7 Glider Ka 2 and Ka 2B, L-140 and L-
203, dated July 4, 1962; Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 8
Glider K 7 L-211 (US 7G3), dated November 23, 1961; Alexander
Schleicher Modification No. 7 Glider K 8 L-216 (US 7G4), dated
November 24, 1961; Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilungt
f[uuml]r Technical Note for Ka 2 and Ka 2b-TM-Nr. 13, Ka 6-TM-Nr.
26, K 7-TM-Nr. 24, K 8-TM-Nr. 30, ASK 13-TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18-TM-Nr. 9,
dated August 30, 2012; and Alexander Schleicher Technische
Mitteilungt f[uuml]r Technical Note for Ka 2 and Ka 2b-TM-Nr. 13, Ka
6-TM-Nr. 26, K 7-TM-Nr. 24, K 8-TM-Nr. 30, ASK 13-TM-Nr. 19, ASK 18-
TM-Nr. 9, Revision 1, dated January 8, 2013, for related
information. For service information related to this AD, contact
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co Segelflugzeugbau, Stra[szlig]e 1 D-
36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: ++49 (0) 6658/89-0, fax: +49 (0)
6658/89-40, email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de. You may review copies of the 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 May 17, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-12308 Filed 5-22-13; 8:45 am]
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