[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 190 (Friday, September 29, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58495-58498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-24982]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; S.N. CENTRAIR Model 201B Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to all S.N. CENTRAIR Model 201B sailplanes. The 
proposed AD would require you to modify the rear canopy emergency 
release system. The proposed AD is the result of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority 
for France. The actions specified in the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent the rear canopy retaining strap from not

[[Page 58496]]

releasing properly during the emergency egress procedure because of the 
current design of the rear canopy emergency release system. This 
condition, if not corrected, will not allow the rear canopy to 
completely separate from the sailplane and could result in potential 
injury to the pilot during an emergency egress.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule by October 31, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments in triplicate to the FAA, Central Region, 
Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-48-
AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may inspect 
comments at this location between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays.
    You may get service information that applies to the proposed AD 
from S.N. CENTRAIR, Aerodome--36300 Le Blanc, France; telephone: 
02.54.37.07.96; facsimile: 02.54.37.48.64. You may read this 
information at the Rules Docket at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on the proposed AD? The FAA invites comments on 
this proposed rule. You may submit whatever written data, views, or 
arguments you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and 
submit your comments in triplicate to the address specified under the 
caption ADDRESSES. The FAA will consider all comments received on or 
before the closing date. We may amend the proposed rule in light of 
comments received. Factual information that supports your ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
proposed AD action and determining whether we need to take additional 
rulemaking action.
    Are there any specific portions of the proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 
rule that might suggest a need to modify the rule. You may examine all 
comments we receive before and after the closing date of the rule in 
the Rules Docket. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that 
summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of the proposed AD.
    We are re-examining the writing style we currently use in 
regulatory documents, in response to the Presidential memorandum of 
June 1, 1998. That memorandum requires Federal agencies to communicate 
more clearly with the public. We are interested in your comments on 
whether the style of this document is clearer, and any other 
suggestions you might have to improve the clarity of FAA communications 
that affect you. You can get more information about the Presidential 
memorandum and the plain language initiative at http://www.plainlanguage.gov.
    How can I be sure FAA receives my comment? If you want us to 
acknowledge the receipt of your comments, you must include a self-
addressed, stamped postcard. On the postcard, write ``Comments to 
Docket No. 2000-CE-48-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The Direction Gonorale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, recently notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on 
all S.N. CENTRAIR Model 201B sailplanes. The DGAC reports an incident 
where a Model 201B rear canopy strap did not properly release during an 
actual emergency egress.
    The DGAC advises that the problem is related to the unreliability 
of the rear canopy from completely separating from the sailplane during 
an emergency egress procedure.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If the 
rear canopy retaining strap does not release properly during the 
emergency egress procedure, the rear canopy will not completely 
separate from the sailplane. This could result in potential injury to 
the pilot during an emergency egress.

Relevant Service Information

    Is there service information that applies to this subject? S.N. 
CENTRAIR has issued Service Bulletin No. 201-16, Revision 1, dated 
December 12, 1999.
    What are the provisions of this service bulletin? The service 
bulletin:
    <bullet> Specifies the installation of a mechanism that 
automatically releases the rear canopy strap when the emergency canopy 
lever is actuated;
    <bullet> Includes Process Sheet for Fitment of the Release Unit for 
the Rear Canopy Strap on Glider Centrair 201 ``Marianne'', dated March 
17, 1999. This document includes procedures for incorporating the 
modification; and
    <bullet> Specifies an inspection to assure that this modification 
is accomplished correctly.
    What actions did the DGAC take? The DGAC classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued French AD Number 1995-055(A) R1, dated 
February 5, 2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these sailplanes in France.
    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
This sailplane model is manufactured in France and is type certificated 
for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 
21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept FAA informed of 
the situation described above.

The FAA's Determination and an Explanation of the Provisions of the 
Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? The FAA has examined the findings of the 
DGAC; reviewed all available information, including the service 
information referenced above; and determined that:
    <bullet> The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or 
could develop on other S.N. CENTRAIR Model 201B sailplanes of the same 
type design;
    <bullet> The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be accomplished on the affected sailplanes, except 
for requiring an inspection to ensure that the modification is 
accomplished correctly and;
    <bullet> AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe 
condition.
    What does the proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to install a mechanism that automatically releases the rear canopy 
strap when the emergency canopy lever is actuated. Accomplishment of 
the proposed modification would be in accordance with the procedures in 
S.N. Centrair Process Sheet for Fitment of the Release Unit for the 
Rear Canopy Strap on Glider Centrair 201 ``Marianne'', dated March 17, 
1999 (or the instructions provided with the modification kit).

Cost Impact

    How many sailplanes does the proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
the proposed AD affects 41 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What is the cost impact of the proposed AD on owners/operators of 
the affected sailplanes? We estimate the

[[Page 58497]]

following costs to accomplish the proposed modification:

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                                                                                                   Total cost on
                           Labor cost                             Parts cost per  Total cost per  U.S. sailplane
                                                                     sailplane       sailplane       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $240.............................            $150            $390         $15,990
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

    What is the compliance time of the proposed AD? The compliance time 
of this proposed AD is ``within the next 3 months after the effective 
date of this AD.''
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? Although the rear canopy retaining strap 
not releasing properly during the emergency egress procedure occurs 
during flight, the condition is not a direct result of sailplane 
operation. The chance of this situation occurring is the same for a 
sailplane with 10 hours TIS as it would be for a sailplane with 500 
hours TIS. A calendar time for compliance will assure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed on all sailplanes in a reasonable time period.
    What are the differences between the French AD and the proposed AD? 
The French AD requires installation of a mechanism that automatically 
releases the rear canopy strap when the emergency canopy lever is 
actuated. The French AD also requires a visual inspection to ensure 
that the modification is incorporated correctly.
    The FAA does not require this inspection because we believe that 
the procedures are adequate to allow the maintenance personnel to 
accomplish the action correctly.

Regulatory Impact

    Does this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations 
proposed herein 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. Therefore, it is determined that this 
proposed rule would not have federalism implications under Executive 
Order 13132.
    Does this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
action (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if 
promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action has been placed in the Rules 
Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at 
the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as 
follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

S.N. CENTRAIR: Docket No. 2000-CE-48-AD.
    (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD applies to 
Model 201B sailplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any 
category.
    (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate 
any of the above sailplanes on the U.S. Register must comply with 
this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent the rear canopy retaining strap from 
not releasing properly during the emergency egress procedure because 
of the current design of the rear canopy emergency release system. 
This condition, if not corrected, will not allow the rear canopy to 
completely separate from the sailplane and could result in potential 
injury to the pilot during an emergency egress.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, you must accomplish the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions               Compliance times       Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install a mechanism that      Within the next 3   (i) Follow the
 automatically releases the rear   months after the    procedures in S.N
 canopy strap when the emergency   effective date of   Centrair Process
 canopy lever is actuated.         this AD.            Sheet for Fitment
                                                       of the Release
                                                       Unit for the Rear
                                                       Canopy Strap on
                                                       Glider Centrair
                                                       201 ``Marianne'',
                                                       dated March 17,
                                                       1999 (or the
                                                       instructions
                                                       provided with the
                                                       modification
                                                       kit).
                                                      (ii) The document
                                                       specified above
                                                       is referenced in
                                                       S.N. CENTRAIR
                                                       Service Bulletin
                                                       No. 201-16,
                                                       Revision 1, dated
                                                       December 12,
                                                       1999.
                                                      (iii) The
                                                       inspection
                                                       referenced in the
                                                       service bulletin
                                                       is not required
                                                       by this AD.
(2) Do not install a rear canopy  As of the           Not Applicable.
 emergency release system          effective date of
 without incorporating the         this AD.
 modification referenced in
 paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


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    (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an 
alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:
    (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent 
level of safety; and
    (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate approves your 
alternative. Send your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small 
Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 
64106.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in 
paragraph (a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For sailplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of 
this AD. You should include in the request an assessment of the 
effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe 
condition addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the 
unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? You can contact Mike Kiesov, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 
301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: 
(816) 329-4090.
    (g) What if I need to fly the sailplane to another location to 
comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate your sailplane to a location where you 
can accomplish the requirements of this AD.
    (h) How do I get copies of the documents referenced in this AD? You 
may obtain copies of the documents referenced in this AD from S.N. 
CENTRAIR, Aerodome--36300 Le Blanc, France; telephone: 02.54.37.07.96; 
facsimile: 02.54.37.48.64. You may read these documents at FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French AD 1999-
055(A)R1, dated February 5, 2000.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 22, 2000.
Michael K. Dahl,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-24982 Filed 9-28-00; 8:45 am]
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