Rule2022-02717
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
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
February 10, 2022
Effective
March 17, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
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.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 28 (Thursday, February 10, 2022)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[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 [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02717]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#620b0c040d222e36204f5e03420a1007045f" http: Lindner.com">Lindner.com</a>">info@LTB-<a href="http://Lindner.com">Lindner.com</a></a>; website: <a href="https://www.ltb-lindner.com">https://www.ltb-lindner.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-2021-0944.
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-2021-0944; 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#157f7c783b6760617d7067737a6771557374743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f3999a9edd8186879b9681959c8197b3959292dd949c85">[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 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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> 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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#d5ecf8948386f8949c87f8e2e6e5f894989a9695b3b4b4fbb2baa3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a59c88e4f3f688e4ecf78892969588e4e8eae6e5c3c4c48bc2cad3">[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.
(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:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a7cdceca89d5d2d3cfc2d5c1c8d5c3e7c1c6c689c0c8d1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6b01020645191e1f030e190d04190f2b0d0a0a450c041d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>
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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#fb92959d94bbb7afb9d6c79adb93899e9dc6" http: Lindner.com">Lindner.com</a>">info@LTB-<a href="http://Lindner.com">Lindner.com</a></a>; website: <a href="https://www.ltb-lindner.com">https://www.ltb-lindner.com</a>.
(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: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a3c5d18dcacdd0d3c6c0d7cacccde3cdc2d1c28dc4ccd5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6d0c498dfd8c5c6d3d5c2dfd9d8f6d8d7c4d798d1d9c0">[email protected]</span></a>, or go to: <a href="https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.
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
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on February 10, 2022.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.