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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 44 (Wednesday, March 6, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14467-14469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-05229]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0220; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-002-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Slingsby Sailplanes Ltd. Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Slingsby Sailplanes Ltd. Models Dart T.51, Dart T.51/17, and Dart T.51/
17R sailplanes equipped with aluminum alloy spar booms that would 
supersede an existing AD. This proposed 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 describes the unsafe 
condition as an incident of glue joint failure on a starboard wing 
caused by water entering the area of the airbrake box that resulted in 
delamination and corrosion in the area of the aluminum alloy spar booms 
and the wing attach fittings. We are issuing this proposed AD to 
require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 22, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd., Ings Lane, Kirkbymoorside, North 
Yorkshire, England YO62 6EZ; telephone: +44(0)1751 432474; Internet: 
none. You may review copies of the referenced service information at 
the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (816) 329-4148.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0220; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-002-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On October 22, 1998, we issued AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 
FR 58624, November 2, 1998). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on the products listed above.
    Since we issued AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 58624, 
November 2, 1998), Slingsby Aviation Ltd. has revised the related 
service information to remove the 5-year repetitive ``cutout'' 
inspection and to add a repetitive annual inspection using an 
endoscope. The endoscope inspection method would be done using existing 
drain holes in the lower wing skin.
    Using revised service information is mandatory within the United 
Kingdom airworthiness system. It is not necessary for the Civil 
Aviation Authority (CAA), which is the aviation authority for the 
United Kingdom, to issue an AD to mandate the use of new service 
information.
    Proposing AD action is the only way the FAA can mandate the use of 
new service information; however, owners/

[[Page 14468]]

operators may request approval from the FAA to use an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC).
    Several U.S. operators have complained that the repetitive 5-year 
``cutout'' inspection in the wooden wing skin, currently required by AD 
98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 58624, November 2, 1998), was by 
default growing larger and larger with each inspection.
    We have determined that the current 5-year repetitive ``cutout'' 
inspections will eventually weaken the wing structure and could result 
in an unsafe condition. We concur with the change to the annual 
endoscope inspection.

Relevant Service Information

    Slingsby Aviation Ltd. has issued Technical Instruction T.I. No. 
109/T51, Issue 3, dated August 21, 2000. The actions described in this 
service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition 
identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 10 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 40 work-hours per 
product to comply with the initial inspection requirement retained from 
AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 58624, November 2, 1998) in this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the initial 
inspection proposed in this AD on U.S. operators to be $34,000, or 
$3,400 per product.
    We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the new repetitive inspection requirement in this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the new repetitive 
inspection proposed in this AD on U.S. operators to be $1,700, or $170 
per product.
    We have no way of determining the number of repetitive inspections 
an owner/operator will incur over the life of the sailplane or the 
number of sailplanes that will need repairs.

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.
    We are 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

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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 Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 removing Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 
58624, November 2, 1998), and adding the following new AD:

Slingsby Sailplanes Ltd.: Docket No. FAA-2013-0220; Directorate 
Identifier 2013-CE-002-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by April 22, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 58624, 
November 2, 1998).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Slingsby Sailplanes Ltd. Models Dart T.51, 
Dart T.51/17, and Dart T.51/17R sailplanes, that are:
    (1) Equipped with aluminum alloy spar booms; and
    (2) Certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wing.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an incident of glue joint failure on a 
starboard wing caused by water entering the area of the airbrake box 
that resulted in delamination and corrosion in the area of the 
aluminum alloy spar booms and the wing attach fittings. The 
manufacturer has also issued revised service information that 
changes the repetitive inspection interval and method. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the spar assembly and 
adjoining structure, which could result in reduced controllability 
or complete loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance Retained From AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-
10863 (63 FR 58624, November 2, 1998)

    Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 6 calendar months after December 14, 1998 
(the effective date retained from AD 98-22-15, Amendment 39-10863 
(63 FR 58624, November 2, 1998)), inspect the aluminum alloy spar 
booms and the wing attach fittings for delamination or corrosion 
damage following the ACTION section of Slingsby Aviation Ltd. 
Technical Instruction T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue No. 2, dated October 
7, 1997, or the ACTION section of Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Technical 
Instruction T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue 3, dated August 21, 2000.

    Note to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: Slingsby Aviation Ltd. 
Technical Instruction T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue No. 2, dated October 
7, 1997, and T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue 3, dated August 21, 2000, 
include guidance to

[[Page 14469]]

determine whether an affected sailplane is equipped with aluminum 
alloy spar booms.

    (2) If any corrosion or delamination damage is found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, contact the manufacturer at the address specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD to obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme and 
incorporate the repair.

(g) New Actions and Compliance

    (1) Within 5 years after the last inspection required by AD 98-
22-15, Amendment 39-10863 (63 FR 58624, November 2, 1998) and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, using 
an endoscope, inspect the aluminum alloy spar booms and the wing 
attach fittings for delamination or corrosion damage following 
paragraph 11. of the ACTION section of Slingsby Aviation Ltd. 
Technical Instruction T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue 3, dated August 21, 
2000.
    (2) If any corrosion or delamination damage is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further 
flight, contact the manufacturer at the address specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD to obtain an FAA-approved repair scheme and 
incorporate the repair.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
sailplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person 
is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a 
penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information 
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless 
that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) AD British AD 005-09-97, 
dated October 3, 1997; Slingsby Aviation Ltd. Technical Instruction 
T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue No. 2, dated October 7, 1997; and Slingsby 
Aviation Ltd. Technical Instruction T.I. No. 109/T51, Issue 3, dated 
August 21, 2000, for related information. For service information 
related to this AD, contact Slingsby Advanced Composites Ltd., Ings 
Lane, Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, England YO62 6EZ ; telephone: 
+44(0)1751 432474; Internet: none. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane 
Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
(816) 329-4148.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 27, 2013.
Earl Lawrence,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-05229 Filed 3-5-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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