Rule2022-03591
Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 22, 2022
Effective
March 29, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350C or 2350D engine installed. 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 failure of the bearing of the upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear resulting in separation of the propeller from the engine. This AD requires replacing a certain hex-nut and establishing a life limit for the ball bearing assembly. 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 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9437-9439]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-03591]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1015; Project Identifier 2019-CE-014-AD; Amendment
39-21942; AD 2022-04-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth
Flugzeugbau GmbH 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 DG
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau
GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo
Model 2350C or 2350D engine installed. 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 failure of the bearing of the upper pulley of the belt
driven reduction gear resulting in separation of the propeller from the
engine. This AD requires replacing a certain hex-nut and establishing a
life limit for the ball bearing assembly. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 29, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 29,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, D71050 Sindelfingen,
Germany; phone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#30515942534251564470435f5c5f1d0c5110584255560d" http: germany.com">germany.com</a>">aircraft@solo-<a href="http://germany.com">germany.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://aircraft.solo-online.com">http://aircraft.solo-online.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 https://
[[Page 9438]]
www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-
1015.
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-2021-1015; 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#c4aeada9eab6b1b0aca1b6a2abb6a084a2a5a5eaa3abb2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f79d9e9ad98582839f928591988593b7919696d9909881">[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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
Model DG-1000T gliders and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo
Discus T gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350C or
2350D engine, all serial numbers, installed. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on December 1, 2021 (86 FR 68168). The NPRM was
prompted by MCAI originated by the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2019-0029, dated February 8, 2019
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe
condition on Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350B, 2350BS, 2350C,
and 2350D engines. The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported of failure of the bearing of the
upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear, resulting in
separation of the propeller from the engine.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to similar
occurrences, with possible reduced control of, and damage to, the
aircraft.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Solo redesigned the
nut securing the pulley bearing on the axle and introduced a life
time limit of 15 years for the reduction gear bearings.
For the reason stated above, this [EASA] AD requires replacement
of affected parts with serviceable parts, and introduces a life
limit for the affected ball bearings.
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-
1015.
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
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 Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18,
dated January 22, 2019. The service information specifies procedures
for replacing the hex-nut at the excentric axle and the ball bearing
assemblies at the bearing block of the reduction gear. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI applies to Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2350B,
2350BS, 2350C, and 2350D engines. None of these model engines have an
FAA engine type certificate. However, Model 2350C and Model 2350D
engines are certificated by the FAA with the type certificate for
certain gliders. This AD does not apply to Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo
Model 2350B and 2350BS engines because they are not part of an FAA
glider type design.
The MCAI requires replacing an affected ball bearing assembly
before it accumulates 15 years since first installation on an engine.
This AD requires replacing both ball bearing assemblies simultaneously
before either accumulates 15 years since first installation on an
engine.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates that for gliders with an affected hex-nut,
replacement would take about 0.5 work-hour and require a part costing
$95. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these
figures, the FAA estimates the cost to replace the hex-nut on U.S.
operators to be $1,380 (assuming all 10 gliders have this
configuration) or $138 per glider.
In addition, the FAA estimates that for gliders with the affected
ball bearing assemblies, replacement would take about 4 work-hours for
both ball bearing assemblies and require ball bearing assemblies
costing $118 (2 units). The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the cost of the ball bearing
assembly replacement on U.S. operators to be $4,580 (assuming all 10
gliders have this configuration) or $458 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 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.
[[Page 9439]]
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:
2022-04-01 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH
Gliders: Amendment 39-21942; Docket No. FAA-2021-1015; Project
Identifier 2019-CE-014-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 29, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000T gliders
and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus T gliders,
certificated in any category, with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo
Model 2350C or 2350D engine, all serial numbers, installed.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 7200, Engine
(Turbine/Turboprop).
(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 failure of the
bearing of the upper pulley of the belt driven reduction gear. The
FAA is issuing this AD to prevent separation of the propeller from
the engine. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
loss of control of the glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Actions and Compliance
(1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, remove
the nut installed at the excentric axle from service and replace it
with a nut in accordance with the Condition section, paragraph a),
of Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated January
22, 2019.
(2) Before either ball bearing assembly at the bearing block of
the reduction gear accumulates 15 years since first installation on
an engine or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15
years, remove both ball bearing assemblies from service and replace
with new (zero hours time-in-service) ball bearing assemblies in
accordance with the Condition section, paragraph b), of Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated January 22, 2019.
(3) After replacing the ball bearing assemblies required by
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, record compliance in the aircraft log
book. The entry must include: (1) Reduction gear part number (P/N)
and serial number; and (2) date ball bearing assemblies were
replaced.
(4) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install a hex-
nut P/N 0028143 on any engine.
(5) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install ball
bearing assembly P/N 0050110 on any engine unless it is new (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#a29b8fe3f4f18fe3ebf08f9591928fe3efede1e2c4c3c38cc5cdd4"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="774e5a3621245a363e255a4044475a363a38343711161659101801">[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#96fcfffbb8e4e3e2fef3e4f0f9e4f2d6f0f7f7b8f1f9e0"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e8828185c69a9d9c808d9a8e879a8ca88e8989c68f879e">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0029, dated February 8, 2019, 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-2021-1015.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference 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) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin 4603-18, dated
January 22, 2019.
Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2)(i): This service information contains
German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in
referencing the document from Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH. 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 Solo
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, D71050 Sindelfingen, Germany;
phone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#71101803120310170531021e1d1e5c4d1051190314174c" http: germany.com">germany.com</a>">aircraft@solo-<a href="http://germany.com">germany.com</a></a>; website: <a href="http://aircraft.solo-online.com">http://aircraft.solo-online.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#5b3d29753235282b3e382f3234351b353a293a753c342d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="93f5e1bdfafde0e3f6f0e7fafcfdd3fdf2e1f2bdf4fce5">[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 February 1, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-03591 Filed 2-18-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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