29100 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 102 /Thursday, May 28, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

hours TIS. For this reason, the FAA has

determined that a compliance based on

calendar time should be utilized in this

AD in order to assure that the unsafe

condition is addressed on all gliders in

a reasonable time period.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 35 gliders in

the U.S. registry will be affected by this

AD, that it will take approximately 2

workhours per glider to accomplish this

action, and that the average labor rate is

approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost

approximately $200 per glider. Based on

these figures, the total cost impact of

this AD on U.S. operators is estimated

to be $11,200, or $320 per glider.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects 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, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that this 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)

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 final

evaluation prepared for this action is

contained 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, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration amends 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding a new airworthiness directive

(AD) to read as follows:

98–11–17 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau

GMBH: Amendment 39–10542; Docket

No. 98–CE–11–AD.

Applicability: Model DG–400 gliders, all

serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each glider

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

modified, altered, or repaired in the area

subject to the requirements of this AD. For

gliders 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 (c) of this AD.

The request should include an assessment of

the effect of the modification, alteration, or

repair on the unsafe condition addressed by

this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

been eliminated, the request should include

specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required within the next 4

calendar months after the effective date of

this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the electrical system

regulator, which could result in smoke

entering the cockpit with consequent

passenger injury, accomplish the following:

(a) Replace the Bosch electrical system

regulator, part number (P/N) 0212920001,

with a type 4 E 26 regulator in accordance

with DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Z 33 Conversion

Kit Saprisa regulator Installation Instructions,

dated July 4, 1996, and Glaser-Dirks Drawing

4 E 26. These documents are referenced in

DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No.

826/33, dated July 19, 1996.

(b) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197

and 21.199) to operate the glider to a location

where the requirements of this AD can be

accomplished.

(c) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance time that

provides an equivalent level of safety may be

approved by the Manager, Small Airplane

Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request

shall be forwarded through an appropriate

FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add

comments and then send it to the Manager,

Small Airplane Directorate.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Small Airplane

Directorate.

(d) Questions or technical information

related to the service information referenced

in this AD should be directed to DG

Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D–76625

Bruchsal 4, Germany; telephone: +49 7257–

89–0; facsimile: +49 7257–8922. This service

information may be examined at the FAA,

Central Region, Office of the Regional

Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(e) The replacement required by this AD

shall be done in accordance with DG

Flugzeugbau GmbH Z 33 Conversion Kit

Saprisa regulator Installation Instructions,

dated July 4, 1996, and Glaser-Dirks Drawing

4 E 26, as referenced in DG Flugzeugbau

GmbH Technical Note No. 826/33, dated July

19, 1996. This incorporation by reference was

approved by the Director of the Federal

Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)

and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained

from DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120,

D–76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany. Copies may

be inspected at the FAA, Central Region,

Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558,

601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or

at the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700,

Washington, DC.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed

in German AD 96–242, dated August 29,

1996.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on

July 10, 1998.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May

15, 1998.

Michael Gallagher,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–13818 Filed 5–27–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98–CE–14–AD; Amendment 39–

10543; AD 98–11–18]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks

Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG–400

Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD) that

applies to all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau

GmbH (Glaser-Dirks) Model DG–400

gliders. This AD requires replacing the

upper rubber shock mounts with

mounts made of stainless steel. This AD

will also require inspecting the rear

plate of the propeller mount for cracks

and proper mounting, and replacing or

modifying as necessary. This AD is the

result of mandatory continuing

airworthiness information (MCAI)

issued by the airworthiness authority for

Germany. The actions specified by this

AD are intended to prevent failure of the

propeller suspension system caused by

cracks in the propeller mounts, which

could result in loss of the propeller with

consequent reduced glider

controllability.

DATES: Effective July 10, 1998.
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 102 /Thursday, May 28, 1998 /Rules and Regulations 29101

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of July 10,

1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that

applies to this AD may be obtained from

DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120,

D–76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany;

telephone: +49 7257–89–0; facsimile:

+49 7257–8922. This information may

also be examined at the Federal

Aviation Administration (FAA), Central

Region, Office of the Regional Counsel,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 98–CE–14–

AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW, suite 700,

Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, Small

Airplane Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service, FAA, 1201

Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri

64106; telephone: (816) 426–6934;

facsimile: (816) 426–2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This

AD

A proposal to amend part 39 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

part 39) to include an AD that would

apply to all Glaser-Dirks Model DG–400

gliders was published in the Federal

Register as a notice of proposed

rulemaking (NPRM) on March 18, 1998

(63 FR 13151). The NPRM proposed to

require the following:

—Replacing the upper rubber shock

mounts with mounts made of

stainless steel;

—Inspecting the rear plate of the

propeller mount for cracks and an

excessive gap between the aluminum

blocks and the plate (more than 1 mm

or .04 inches);

—Replacing the rear plate of the

propeller mount if cracks are found;

and

—Installing washers if an excessive gap

exists between the aluminum blocks

and the plate.

Accomplishment of the proposed

shock mounts replacement, the

proposed inspections, and the proposed

installation, as specified in the NPRM

would be in accordance with GlaserDirks Technical Note No. 826/11, dated

August 29, 1984. Accomplishment of

the proposed propeller mount

replacement, as required, as specified in

the NPRM, would be required in

accordance with the applicable

maintenance manual.

The NPRM was the result of

mandatory continuing airworthiness

information (MCAI) issued by the

airworthiness authority for Germany.

Interested persons have been afforded

an opportunity to participate in the

making of this amendment. No

comments were received on the

proposed rule or the FAA’s

determination of the cost to the public.

The FAA’s Determination

After careful review of all available

information related to the subject

presented above, the FAA has

determined that air safety and the

public interest require the adoption of

the rule as proposed except for minor

editorial corrections. The FAA has

determined that these minor corrections

will not change the meaning of the AD

and will not add any additional burden

upon the public than was already

proposed.

Difference Between the Technical Note,

German AD, and This AD

Both Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No.

826/11, dated August 29, 1984, and

German AD 84–157, dated September

24, 1984, specify accomplishing the

actions in this AD prior to further flight.

The FAA does not have justification for

requiring the action prior to further

flight. Instead, the FAA has determined

that 3 calendar months is a reasonable

time period for accomplishing the

actions in this AD.

Compliance Time of This AD

The compliance time of this AD is

presented in calendar time instead of

hours time-in-service (TIS) because of

the typical usage of the affected gliders.

For example, an operator of an affected

glider may only utilize the glider 50

hours TIS in a year, while another

operator may utilize an affected glider

50 hours TIS in one month. The FAA

has determined that a compliance based

on calendar time should be utilized in

this AD in order to assure that the

unsafe condition is addressed on all

gliders in a reasonable time period.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 35 gliders in

the U.S. registry will be affected by this

AD, that it will take approximately 6

workhours per glider to accomplish this

action, and that the average labor rate is

approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost

approximately $100 per glider. Based on

these figures, the total cost impact of

this AD on U.S. operators is estimated

to be $16,100, or $460 per glider.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations adopted herein will

not have substantial direct effects 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, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612,

it is determined that this final rule does

not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation

of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that this 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)

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 final

evaluation prepared for this action is

contained 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, Incorporation by reference,

Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration amends 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding a new airworthiness directive

(AD) to read as follows:

98–11–18 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau

GMBH: Amendment 39–10543; Docket

No. 98–CE–14–AD.

Applicability: Model DG–400 gliders, all

serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each glider

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

modified, altered, or repaired in the area

subject to the requirements of this AD. For

gliders 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 (d) of this AD.

The request should include an assessment of

the effect of the modification, alteration, or

repair on the unsafe condition addressed by
29102 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 102 /Thursday, May 28, 1998 /Rules and Regulations

this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

been eliminated, the request should include

specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the

body of this AD, unless already

accomplished.

To prevent failure of the propeller

suspension system caused by cracks in the

propeller mounts, which could result in loss

of the propeller with consequent reduced

glider controllability, accomplish the

following:

(a) Within the next 3 calendar months after

the effective date of this AD, replace the

upper rubber shock mounts with mounts

made of stainless steel in accordance with

the Instructions section of Glaser-Dirks

Technical Note TN 826/11, dated August 29,

1984.

(b) Within the next 3 calendar months after

the effective date of this AD, inspect (using

2× or greater lens) the rear plate of the

propeller mount for cracks and an excessive

gap between the aluminum blocks and the

plate (more than 1 mm or .04 inches).

Accomplish these inspections in accordance

with the Instructions section of Glaser-Dirks

Technical Note TN 826/11, dated August 29,

1984.

(1) If any cracks are found in the propeller

mount, prior to further flight, replace the

propeller mount with an uncracked mount in

accordance with the applicable maintenance

manual.

(2) If an excessive gap exists between the

aluminum blocks and the plate, prior to

further flight, install washers in accordance

with the Instructions section of Glaser-Dirks

Technical Note TN 826/11, dated August 29,

1984.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197

and 21.199) to operate the glider to a location

where the requirements of this AD can be

accomplished.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance times that

provides an equivalent level of safety may be

approved by the Manager, Small Airplane

Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900,

Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request

shall be forwarded through an appropriate

FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add

comments and then send it to the Manager,

Small Airplane Directorate.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Small Airplane

Directorate.

(e) Questions or technical information

related to Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No.

826/11, dated August 29, 1984, should be

directed to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach

4120, D–76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany;

telephone: +49 7257–89–0; facsimile: +49

7257–8922. This service information may be

examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office

of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E.

12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(f) The replacement, inspection, and

installation required by this AD shall be done

in accordance with Glaser-Dirks Technical

Note No. 826/11, dated August 29, 1984. This

incorporation by reference was approved by

the Director of the Federal Register in

accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR

part 51. Copies may be obtained from DG

Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D–76625

Bruchsal 4, Germany. Copies may be

inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office

of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E.

12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington,

DC.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed

in German AD 84–157, dated September 24,

1984.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on

July 10, 1998.

Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May

15, 1998.

Michael Gallagher,

Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft

Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–13823 Filed 5–27–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–CE–38–AD; Amendment 39–

10545; AD 98–11–20]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus

Aircraft Ltd. Models PC–12 and PC–12/

45 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a

new airworthiness directive (AD) that

applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd.

(Pilatus) Models PC–12 and PC–12/45

airplanes that incorporate an executive

cabin layout. This AD requires

modifying the lavatory wall and

passenger seat configuration. This AD is

the result of mandatory continuing

airworthiness information (MCAI)

issued by the airworthiness authority for

Switzerland. The actions specified by

this AD are intended to prevent head

injuries during an airplane crash

because the lavatory wall and passenger

seat configuration do not meet current

head injury criteria regulations.

DATES: Effective July 13, 1998.

The incorporation by reference of

certain publications listed in the

regulations is approved by the Director

of the Federal Register as of July 13,

1998.

ADDRESSES: Service information that

applies to this AD may be obtained from

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd., Marketing Support

Department, CH–6370 Stans,

Switzerland; telephone: +41 41–6196

233; facsimile: +41 41–6103 351. This

information may also be examined at

the Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA), Central Region, Office of the

Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 97–CE–38–AD, Room 1558,

601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri

64106; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW,

suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Roman T. Gabrys, Aerospace Engineer,

Small Airplane Directorate, Airplane

Certification Service, FAA, 1201

Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri

64106; telephone: (816) 426–6934;

facsimile: (816) 426–2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Events Leading to the Issuance of This

AD

A proposal to amend part 39 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

part 39) to include an AD that would

apply to certain Pilatus Models PC–12

and PC–12/45 airplanes that incorporate

an executive cabin layout was published

in the Federal Register as a notice of

proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March

24, 1998 (63 FR 14043). The NPRM

proposed to require modifying the

lavatory wall and passenger seat

configuration. Accomplishment of the

proposed action as specified in the

NPRM would be in accordance with

Pilatus Service Bulletin No. 25–003,

dated May 7, 1997.

The NPRM was the result of

mandatory continuing airworthiness

information (MCAI) issued by the

airworthiness authority for Switzerland.

Interested persons have been afforded

an opportunity to participate in the

making of this amendment. No

comments were received on the

proposed rule or the FAA’s

determination of the cost to the public.

Since the issuance of the NPRM,

Pilatus has revised Service Bulletin No.

25–003 (Rev. 1, dated April 7, 1998) to

incorporate minor changes to clarify the

situation. There are no technical

changes involved.

The FAA’s Determination

After careful review of all available

information related to the subject

presented above, the FAA has

determined that air safety and the

public interest require the adoption of

the rule as proposed except for the

addition of the revised service

information and minor editorial

corrections. The FAA has determined

that this addition and these minor

corrections will not change the meaning

of the AD and will not add any