Rule2022-04650
Airworthiness Directives; 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
March 7, 2022
Effective
April 11, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b gliders. 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 severe corrosion on the inboard flaperon actuation push rods and ball bearing connecting the flaperon push rod to the bell crank inside the wing. This AD requires inspecting the affected parts of the flaperon control in the wings and taking corrective actions if necessary. 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 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 44 (Monday, March 7, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12559-12561]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-04650]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
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having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 44 / Monday, March 7, 2022 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 12559]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2021-1019; Project Identifier 2020-CE-006-AD; Amendment
39-21956; AD 2022-05-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 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 all
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b gliders.
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 severe corrosion on the inboard
flaperon actuation push rods and ball bearing connecting the flaperon
push rod to the bell crank inside the wing. This AD requires inspecting
the affected parts of the flaperon control in the wings and taking
corrective actions if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 11, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 11,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230
Kirchheim/Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-
199; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a6cfc8c0c9e6d5c5cec3cbd6d68b9ac786ced4c3c09b" http: hirth.com">hirth.com</a>">info@schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a></a>; website: https://www.schempp-
<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.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-2021-1019.
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-2021-1019; 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#9ef4f7f3b0ecebeaf6fbecf8f1ecfadef8ffffb0f9f1e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="49232024673b3c3d212c3b2f263b2d092f2828672e263f">[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 Schempp-Hirth
Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b gliders. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on December 6, 2021 (86 FR 68937).
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 AD 2020-0063, dated March 18,
2020 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe
condition on Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Models Ventus-2a, Ventus-
2b, Ventus-2c, Ventus-2cM, and Ventus-2cT gliders. The MCAI states:
Severe corrosion has been found on the inboard flaperon
actuation push rod of some sailplanes. Subsequent investigation
determined that, when water ballast is dumped in flight, some water
may be sucked into the wing upper side and enter the wing via the
flaperon push rod. Intruding water may cause corrosion especially on
the ball bearing connecting the flaperon push rod to the bell crank
inside the wing.
This condition, if not detected an[d] corrected, could lead to
hard steering (when the ball bearing is damaged) or increased play
(when the ball bearing has failed), possibly resulting in reduced
control of the (powered) sailplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Schempp-Hirth
Flugzeugbau GmbH issued the [technical note] TN to provide
inspection and replacement instructions.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of the affected parts, as identified in the
TN, and, depending on findings, replacement with serviceable parts.
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-
1019.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require compliance with the
version of the TN (revision 2) identified in the MCAI. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Changes Made to This AD
After the NPRM was issued, the FAA received a copy of Schempp-Hirth
Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/
825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020. This revision of the TN
provides clarification regarding the inspection area and instructions
(including specifying that the mount is an affected part that must be
inspected), the types of corrosion, and repair methods and
instructions. This revision of the service information does not require
additional work, because it does not impose any substantive changes to
the procedures in revision 2.
As a result, the FAA has revised paragraph (g) of this AD to
specify that the mount is an affected part that must be inspected and
to require compliance with Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working
Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated
August 31, 2020. The FAA has also added paragraph (h) of this AD to
provide credit for work done before the effective date of the AD using
[[Page 12560]]
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note
No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 2, dated February 24, 2020; or Schempp-
Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-
42/825-57, Revision 3, dated March 31, 2020. Lastly, the FAA has
revised the preamble of this final rule accordingly.
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. Except for the changes described previously, this AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working
Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated
August 31, 2020. This service information contains procedures for
inspecting the pushrod, joint head, mount, and bell crank of the
flaperon control of the wings for corrosion or other damage, and
replacing or servicing (repair) if necessary. 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 the ADDRESSES section.
Other Related Service Information
The FAA also reviewed Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note
No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020. This service
information specifies inspecting the pushrod, joint head, mount, and
bell crank of the flaperon control of the wings by following Schempp-
Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-
42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-2c,
Ventus-2cM, and Ventus-2cT gliders, and this AD does not because they
do not have an FAA type certificate.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 33 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA also estimates that it would take about 1 work-hour per glider
to comply with the inspection required by this AD. Based on these
figures, the FAA estimates the inspection cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $2,805 or $85 per glider, per inspection cycle.
In addition, the FAA estimates that each repair or replacement
action required by this AD would take up to 8 work-hours and require
parts costing up to $800. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
repair or replacement cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be up to
$1,480 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.
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:
2022-05-05 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-21956;
Docket No. FAA-2021-1019; Project Identifier 2020-CE-006-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-
2a and Ventus-2b gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any
category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight Control
System.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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 severe corrosion
on the inboard flaperon actuation push rods and ball bearing
connecting the flaperon push rod to the bell crank inside the wing.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent hard steering and increased
play. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced control of the glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspections and Corrective Actions
Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the
pushrod, joint head, mount, and bell crank of the flaperon control
of the wings for corrosion and other damage, in accordance with
Action 1 in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for
Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020,
[[Page 12561]]
and before further flight, repair or replace the affected part, as
applicable, in accordance with Action 2 in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau
GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57,
Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of
this AD using Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions
for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 2, dated February 24,
2020; or Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for
Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 3, dated March 31, 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 International Validation Branch, 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#e0d9cda1b6b3cda1a9b2cdd7d3d0cda1adafa3a0868181ce878f96"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e47533f282d533f372c53494d4e533f33313d3e181f1f50191108">[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#13797a7e3d6166677b7661757c6177537572723d747c65"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dab0b3b7f4a8afaeb2bfa8bcb5a8be9abcbbbbf4bdb5ac">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2020-0063, dated March 18, 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-2021-1019.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD.
(k) 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) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for
Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH. For
enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite references to the service
information in English as it appears on the document.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230 Kirchheim/
Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-199;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ed84838b82ad9e8e8588809d9dc0d18ccd859f888bd0" http: hirth.com">hirth.com</a>">info@schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a></a>; website: https://www.schempp-
<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a>.
(4) 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.
(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#8aecf8a4e3e4f9faefe9fee3e5e4cae4ebf8eba4ede5fc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="761004581f1805061315021f1918361817041758111900">[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 17, 2022.
Lance T. Gant,
Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-04650 Filed 3-4-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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