Rule2022-15419
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Gliders
Primary source
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Published
July 21, 2022
Effective
August 25, 2022
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders. This 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 identifies the unsafe condition as wing root damage. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage. 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 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 139 (Thursday, July 21, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43403-43406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-15419]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2022-0288; Project Identifier MCAI-2021-00913-G;
Amendment 39-22119; AD 2022-14-14]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau 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
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders.
This 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 identifies the unsafe condition as wing root damage. This AD
requires repetitively
[[Page 43404]]
inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and
replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing,
or any damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2022.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 25,
2022.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-
Schleicher-Str. 1, Poppenhausen, Germany D-36163; phone: +49 (0) 06658
89-0; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b2dbdcd4ddf2d3ded7cad3dcd6d7c09fc1d1daded7dbd1dad7c09cd6d7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0861666e674869646d7069666c6d7a257b6b60646d616b606d7a266c6d">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.alexander-schleicher.de">https://www.alexander-schleicher.de</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-2022-0288.
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-2022-0288; 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#bdd7d4d093cfc8c9d5d8cfdbd2cfd9fddbdcdc93dad2cb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d8b2b1b5f6aaadacb0bdaabeb7aabc98beb9b9f6bfb7ae">[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 Alexander
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2022 (87 FR 16433). The
NPRM was prompted by MCAI from the European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of
the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0187, dated August 9, 2021
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to address an unsafe
condition on all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model
ASW 15 gliders. The MCAI states:
Occurrences were reported of finding wing root rib damage.
Investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the damage.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the
structural integrity of the wing assembly of the sailplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Schleicher issued
the TN [technical note] to provide inspection instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive inspections of each affected part and, depending on
findings, replacement. This [EASA] AD also introduces restrictions
for installation of an affected part.
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-2022-
0288.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting
the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any
root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage.
The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged root ribs. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural
integrity of the wing assembly, which could lead to loss of control of
the glider.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual. The following
presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to the
comment.
An individual requested the FAA revise the proposed applicability
from ``all serial numbers'' to ``serial numbers 15001 up to 15183,'' as
stated in the Alexander Schleicher TN. The commenter stated that serial
numbers 15184 and subsequent should not be subject to the proposed AD
as the wing rib design changed at serial number 15184. The commenter
further stated that if the FAA does not change the proposed
applicability, owners of gliders with redesigned wing ribs would be
required to do needless inspections.
The FAA does not agree that the requested change is necessary. Type
Certificate Data Sheet No. G22EU identifies Model ASW-15 gliders as
those with serial numbers 15001 through 15183 and Model ASW-15B gliders
as those with serial numbers 15184 and subsequent. Therefore, this AD
applies to Model ASW-15 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in
any category, which includes only serial numbers 15001 through 15183
inclusive.
The FAA did not change this AD based on this comment.
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 this product. This AD is
adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau
ASW 15 Technical Note No. 29, dated June 28, 2021. This service
information specifies inspecting the root ribs at the wings.
The FAA also reviewed Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs
according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021. This service information
specifies procedures for replacing the root ribs.
In addition, the FAA reviewed Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June
28, 2021. This service information specifies procedures for inspecting
the root ribs at the wings for damage.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 20 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 43405]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost glider operators
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Inspect root ribs............... 1 work-hour x $85 Not Applicable........... $85 $1,700
per hour = $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of gliders
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost glider
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Replace all four root ribs.................... 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,000 $1,680
$680.
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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:
(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:
2022-14-14 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau:
Amendment 39-22119; Docket No. FAA-2022-0288; Project Identifier
MCAI-2021-00913-G.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 25, 2022.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co.
Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5712, Wing, Rib/
Bulkhead.
(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 wing root rib
damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged
root ribs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in
reduced structural integrity of the wing assembly, which could lead
to loss of control of the glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Action
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect all wing
root ribs (4 places) for cracks, looseness, and damage, in
accordance with the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH &
Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1,
dated June 28, 2021. If there is a crack in any root rib, a loose
rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage, before further flight,
replace the root rib in accordance with Action paragraph (B) in
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical
Note No. 29, dated June 28, 2021, and steps 1 through 7 in Alexander
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction
exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021.
(2) Replacing all four wing root ribs is terminating action for
the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
(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#f7cedab6a1a4dab6bea5dac0c4c7dab6bab8b4b7919696d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b38a9ef2e5e09ef2fae19e8480839ef2fefcf0f3d5d2d29dd4dcc5">[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.
[[Page 43406]]
(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#cda7a4a0e3bfb8b9a5a8bfaba2bfa98dabacace3aaa2bb"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="e08a898dce929594888592868f9284a0868181ce878f96">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2021-0187, dated August 9, 2021, for more information. You may view
the EASA AD at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> in Docket No. FAA-2022-
0288.
(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) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15
Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021.
(ii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15
Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29,
dated June 28, 2021.
(iii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15
Technical Note No. 29, dated June 28, 2021.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-
Schleicher-Str. 1, Poppenhausen, Germany D-36163; phone: +49 (0)
06658 89-0; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c4adaaa2ab84a5a8a1bca5aaa0a1b6e9b7a7aca8a1ada7aca1b6eaa0a1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="d0b9beb6bf90b1bcb5a8b1beb4b5a2fda3b3b8bcb5b9b3b8b5a2feb4b5">[email protected]</span></a>; website: <a href="https://www.alexander-schleicher.de">https://www.alexander-schleicher.de</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#aaccd884c3c4d9dacfc9dec3c5c4eac4cbd8cb84cdc5dc"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="dfb9adf1b6b1acafbabcabb6b0b19fb1beadbef1b8b0a9">[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 July 1, 2022.
Christina Underwood,
Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-15419 Filed 7-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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