Rule2022-01479
Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 26, 2022
Effective
March 2, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Stemme AG TSA-M Model S6 and S6-RT 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 a new version of the propeller gearbox tooth belt with a reduced life limit. This AD requires establishing a life limit of 5 years for certain propeller gearbox tooth belts. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3926-3928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01479]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1010; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00807-G;
Amendment 39-21924; AD 2022-03-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Stemme AG Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Stemme AG TSA-M Model S6 and S6-RT 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 a new version of the propeller gearbox tooth
belt with a reduced life limit. This AD requires establishing a life
limit of 5 years for certain propeller gearbox tooth belts. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 2, 2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Stemme AG, Flugplatzstrasse F2, Nr. 6-7, D-15344 Strausberg,
Germany; phone: +49 (0) 3341 3612-0; fax: +49 (0) 3341 3612-30; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d7b6bea5a0b8a5a3bfbeb9b2a4a497a4a3b2babab2f9b3b2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a2b23383d25383e2223242f39390a393e2f27272f642e2f">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.stemme.com">https://www.stemme.com</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1010.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1010; 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#117b787c3f636465797463777e6375517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b61626625797e7f636e796d64796f4b6d6a6a256c647d">[email protected]</span></a>.
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 certain Stemme AG TSA-M
Model S6 and S6-RT gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register
on November 22, 2021 (86 FR 66229). 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 2020-0140, dated June 23, 2020 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe condition on Stemme AG
(Stemme) TSA-M Model S6 and S6-RT powered sailplanes (gliders) and ASP
S15-1 airplanes. The MCAI states:
The airworthiness limitations for Stemme TSA-M powered
sailplanes and Stemme ASP aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA,
are currently defined and published in Chapter 4 of the applicable
AMM [aircraft maintenance manual]. These instructions have been
identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness.
[[Page 3927]]
Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in an
unsafe condition.
During a regular incoming part inspection at Stemme, the
supplier delivered a new version of the tooth belts used in the
propeller gearbox. The new part (with marking ``Carbon'') deviates
from the previously used part (with marking ``Extreme'') by its
layer build up. The new tooth belt has been found airworthy,
although with a reduced life limit.
Before Stemme identified the issue, new tooth belts were
delivered, identified as Part Number (P/N) 830.185, the same as the
previous part. These parts have to be identified by inspection,
changed to P/N 832.502, and the reduced life limit implemented.
Consequently, Stemme issued the applicable ALS [airworthiness
limitations section] introducing the new life limit for the new
part. Stemme also issued the SB [service bulletin] providing
additional instructions on relevant inspections and corrective
actions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the propeller gearbox tooth belts, and, depending
on findings, re-identification. This [EASA] AD also requires
implementation of the reduced life limit by accomplishment of the
actions specified in the applicable ALS.
After issuance of the MCAI, EASA approved extending the life limit
of the new ``Synchroforce Carbon'' belt to 5 years, the same as the
original ``Extreme'' belt, as documented by Stemme in Revision 15 to
the AMM Chapter 04 ALS.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1010.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual commenter. The
commenter supported the NPRM without change.
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, considered the comment received, 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
The FAA reviewed Stemme Service Bulletin Doc. No. P062-980049,
Revision 00, dated May 27, 2020. This service information specifies
identifying the front propeller gearbox tooth belt, revising the AMM
and illustrated parts catalogue, and introducing a life limit for the
propeller gearbox tooth belt marked ``Synchroforce Carbon.''
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI applies to Stemme AG Model ASP S15-1 airplanes, and this
AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type certificate.
The MCAI requires an inspection to determine whether the propeller
gearbox tooth belts are ``Synchroforce Carbon'' or ``Extreme.'' This AD
does not require this inspection because instead, it applies only to
gliders with a ``Synchroforce Carbon'' propeller gearbox tooth belt
installed.
The MCAI requires revising the existing aircraft maintenance
program (AMP) to introduce the reduced life limit for the affected
propeller gearbox tooth belt, as well as other life limits, as
specified in the Temporary Revision to the aircraft maintenance manual
airworthiness limitations section (ALS). After the AMP is revised, the
MCAI does not require recording AD compliance on a continued basis each
time a task in the revised AMP is performed. Because the AMP is not
required for U.S. operators and the ALS specified in the MCAI includes
additional tasks that do not address the unsafe condition, this AD
establishes a life limit for the affected propeller gearbox tooth belt
by requiring that it be removed from service after 5 years. Operators
are required to record AD compliance each time an affected propeller
gearbox tooth belt reaches its life limit and is replaced.
Stemme Service Bulletin Doc. No. P062-980049, Revision 00, dated
May 27, 2020, requires reporting information to Stemme AG, and this AD
does not.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 3 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates that it will take 4 work hours to replace the
propeller gearbox tooth belt and require a part costing $300. The
average labor rate is $85 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
FAA estimates the cost to replace the propeller gearbox tooth belt on
U.S. operators to be $1,920 or $640 per glider, every 5 years.
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.
[[Page 3928]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2022-03-07 Stemme AG: Amendment 39-21924; Docket No. FAA-2021-1010;
Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00807-G.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 2, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Stemme AG TSA-M Model S6 and S6-RT gliders,
all serial numbers, certificated in any category, with a propeller
gearbox tooth belt marked ``Synchroforce Carbon'' installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6100, Propeller
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 a new version of
the propeller gearbox tooth belt with a reduced life limit. The FAA
is issuing this AD to prevent a propeller gearbox tooth belt
remaining in service beyond its fatigue life. The unsafe condition,
if not addressed, could result in failure of the propeller gearbox
tooth belt and reduced control of the glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Before the propeller gearbox tooth belt accumulates 5 years
since installation on a glider or within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 5 years, remove the propeller gearbox tooth belt from
service and install a propeller gearbox tooth belt with zero hours
time-in-service.
(h) 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 (i)(1) of this AD
and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#566f7b1700057b171f047b6165667b171b19151630373778313920"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ab9286eafdf886eae2f9869c989b86eae6e4e8ebcdcaca85ccc4dd">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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.
(i) 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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#107a797d3e626564787562767f6274507671713e777f66"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d1bbb8bcffa3a4a5b9b4a3b7bea3b591b7b0b0ffb6bea7">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0140, dated June 23, 2020, for more information. You may
examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-1010.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued on January 20, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-01479 Filed 1-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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