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[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 91 (Wednesday, May 11, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27240-27242]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-10388]

[[Page 27240]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0127; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-065-AD; 
Amendment 39-16681; AD 2011-09-19]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND Model G 103 C 
Twin III SL Gliders

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued 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:

    The in-flight loss of a propeller and pulley wheel from the 
engine of a Grob G 103 C Twin III SL powered sailplane has been 
reported.
    Grob Aircraft AG suspects that the possible reasons for this 
loss can be due to an incorrect propeller track (the play at the 
propeller tip) and/or to a damaged propeller nut securing plate.
    Those conditions, if not corrected, could also result in 
loosening of parts and, consequently could result in damage to the 
sailplane and possible injury to persons on the ground.

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 15, 2011.
    On June 15, 2011, the Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at Document Management Facility, 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 service information identified in this AD, contact GROB 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, 86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Head of 
Customer Service and Support, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268-998-139; 
fax: +49 (0) 8268-998-200; e-mail aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; 
Internet: http://www.grob-aircraft.eu. 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.

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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2011 
(76 FR 9513). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The in-flight loss of a propeller and pulley wheel from the 
engine of a Grob G 103 C Twin III SL powered sailplane has been 
reported.
    Grob Aircraft AG suspects that the possible reasons for this 
loss can be due to an incorrect propeller track (the play at the 
propeller tip) and/or to a damaged propeller nut securing plate.
    Those conditions, if not corrected, could also result in 
loosening of parts and, consequently could result in damage to the 
sailplane and possible injury to persons on the ground.
    For the reasons stated above, this AD requires to inspect the 
propeller assembly attachment, to verify that the propeller track is 
within the allowable tolerances and, depending on findings, to 
accomplish the relevant corrective actions.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 4 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $680, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 6 work-hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of 
$610 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.

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 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) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and

[[Page 27241]]

    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of 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 AD:

2011-09-19 BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND: Amendment 39-16681; Docket No. 
FAA-2011-0127; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-065-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 15, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND G 103 C Twin III 
SL gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 61: 
Propellers/Propulsors.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    The in-flight loss of a propeller and pulley wheel from the 
engine of a Grob G 103 C Twin III SL powered sailplane has been 
reported.
    Grob Aircraft AG suspects that the possible reasons for this 
loss can be due to an incorrect propeller track (the play at the 
propeller tip) and/or to a damaged propeller nut securing plate.
    Those conditions, if not corrected, could also result in 
loosening of parts and, consequently could result in damage to the 
sailplane and possible injury to persons on the ground.
    For the reasons stated above, this AD requires to inspect the 
propeller assembly attachment, to verify that the propeller track is 
within the allowable tolerances and, depending on findings, to 
accomplish the relevant corrective actions.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, do the following actions:
    (1) Update the glider documentation following Grob Aircraft 
Service Bulletin No. MSB-869-24/1, dated July 20, 2009, by inserting 
the following revised pages from Grob Aircraft AG:
    (i) Into the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C Twin III SL Pilot's 
Operating Handbook (POH) (dated December 1991): Pages 0.2A, 0.3, 
0.4, and 4.9, Revision 6, dated July 20, 2009.
    (ii) Into the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C Twin III SL Maintenance 
Manual (dated December, 1991) or FAA-approved maintenance program: 
pages 0.1A, 0.2, 0.3, 4.2, and 6.6, Revision 10, dated December 15, 
2006.
    (2) Inspect for cracks at the bent area of the engaged tooth of 
the upper pulley wheel securing plate following the procedure to 
access the area found on page 6.12 of the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C 
TWIN III SL Maintenance Manual, Date of Issue December, 1991, 
Revision 9, dated May 24, 2002, as specified in Grob Aircraft 
Service Letter SL 869-01, dated June 9, 2009.
    (3) Verify that the propeller track (the play at the propeller 
tip) is within the allowable tolerances following the procedure on 
page 4.9 of the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C TWIN III SL POH, Date of 
Issue December, 1991, Revision 6, dated July 20, 2009, as specified 
in Grob Aircraft Service Letter SL 869-01, dated June 9, 2009.

    Note 1: The torque values and tolerances of the upper pulley 
wheel grooved nut have been standardized in the POH and maintenance 
manual.

    (4) If the bent area of the engaged tooth of the upper pulley 
wheel securing plate has no crack found per the inspection of 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, but the propeller track value measured 
is not within the allowable tolerances per paragraph (f)(3) of this 
AD, before further flight, readjust the torque of the upper pulley 
wheel grooved nut using the updated aircraft technical documentation 
following the procedure on page 6.12 of the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C 
TWIN III SL Maintenance Manual, Date of Issue December, 1991, 
Revision 9, dated May 24, 2002, as specified in Grob Aircraft 
Service Letter SL 869-01, dated June 9, 2009. Ensure accordingly 
that the propeller track is within the allowable tolerances 
following the procedure on page 4.9 of the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C 
TWIN III SL POH, Date of Issue December, 1991, Revision 6, dated 
July 20, 2009, as specified in Grob Aircraft Service Letter SL 869-
01, dated June 9, 2009. If the propeller track is out of the 
allowable tolerance, then contact GROB for further instructions.
    (5) If any crack is found in the bent area of the engaged tooth 
of the upper pulley wheel securing plate per the inspection in 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, before further flight, do the following 
actions:
    (i) Remove the upper pulley wheel grooved nut and then look at 
the securing plate to identify if other teeth are available to be 
bent to secure the grooved nut. Do not bend an already bent tooth. 
If all teeth of the securing plate are already bent, replace the 
securing plate with a serviceable one.
    (ii) Screw back the upper pulley wheel grooved nut (and its 
securing plate) and tighten it, applying the torque following page 
6.12 of the Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C TWIN III SL Maintenance Manual, 
Date of Issue December, 1991, Revision 9, dated May 24, 2002, as 
specified in Grob Aircraft Service Letter SL 869-01, dated June 9, 
2009. Ensure accordingly that the propeller track is within the 
allowable tolerances following the procedure on page 4.9 of the Grob 
Aircraft AG G 103 C TWIN III SL POH, Date of Issue December, 1991, 
Revision 6, dated July 20, 2009, as specified in Grob Aircraft 
Service Letter SL 869-01, dated June 9, 2009. If the propeller track 
is out of the allowable tolerances, then contact GROB for further 
instructions.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Before using 
any approved AMOC on any airplane 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

[[Page 27242]]

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.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to the following documents for related information:
    (1) MCAI EASA AD No.: 2010-0107, dated June 11, 2010;
    (2) Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin MSB 869-24/1, dated July 20, 
2009;
    (3) Grob Aircraft Service Letter SL-869-01, dated June 9, 2009;
    (4) Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C Twin III SL Pilot's Operating 
Handbook (POH) (dated December 1991), pages 0.2A, 0.3, 0.4, and 4.9, 
Revision 6, dated July 20, 2009; and
    (5) Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C Twin III SL Maintenance Manual 
(dated December 1991), page 6.12, Revision 9, dated May 24, 2002; 
and pages 0.1A, 0.2, 0.3, 4.2, and 6.6, Revision 10, dated December 
15, 2006.
    (i) For service information related to this AD, contact GROB 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, 86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Head 
of Customer Service and Support, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268-
998-139; fax: +49 (0) 8268-998-200; e-mail aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: http://www.grob-aircraft.eu. 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-869-24/
1, dated July 20, 2009; Grob Aircraft Service Letter SL-869-01, 
dated June 9, 2009; Grob Aircraft AG G 103 C Twin III SL Pilot's 
Operating Handbook (POH) (dated December 1991), pages 0.2A, 0.3, 
0.4, and 4.9, Revision 6, dated July 20, 2009; and Grob Aircraft AG 
G 103 C Twin III SL Maintenance Manual (dated December 1991), page 
6.12, Revision 9, dated May 24, 2002; and pages 0.1A, 0.2, 0.3, 4.2, 
and 6.6, Revision 10, dated December 15, 2006; to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact GROB 
Aircraft AG, Lettenbachstrasse 9, 86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Head 
of Customer Service and Support, Germany; telephone: +49 (0) 8268-
998-139; fax: +49 (0) 8268-998-200; e-mail aircraft.com">productsupport@grob-aircraft.com; Internet: http://www.grob-aircraft.eu.
    (3) 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information 
incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 22, 2011.
John Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-10388 Filed 5-10-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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