[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58110-58112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19935]



[[Page 58110]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-44-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Models 
DG-100 and DG-400 Sailplanes and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan 
Series and DG-500M Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-400 
sailplanes and certain DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Series 
and DG-500M sailplanes. This proposed AD would require you to modify or 
replace the complete rudder mount assembly and ensure that the securing 
washer, castellated nut, and new split pins are installed. This 
proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
(MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are 
issuing this proposed AD to prevent the universal bearing of the lower 
rudder mounting from slipping out of the bearing support. The universal 
bearing slipping out could result in the rudder separating from its 
support. This failure could lead to loss of sailplane control during 
flight operations.

DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by November 9, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed 
AD:
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-001.
    <bullet> Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    To get the service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, D-76625 Bruchsal, Federal 
Republic of Germany; telephone: 011-49 7257-890; facsimile: 011-49 
7257-8922.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
This is docket number FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
44-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room 301, 901 Locust, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-4130; facsimile: 816-329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any 
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal. 
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the 
docket number, ``FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-44-AD'' 
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we 
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal 
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed 
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone 
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
This is docket number FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
44-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay 
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall 
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this 
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and 
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will 
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.

Docket Information

    Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD 
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final 
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m. (eastern time), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 
The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on the plaza 
level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at the street 
address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available in the 
AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt 
(LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently 
notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Glaser-Dirks 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-400 sailplanes and certain DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Series and DG-500M sailplanes. The 
LBA reports that on a Model DG-100 sailplane the universal bearing of 
the lower rudder mounting slipped out of the bearing support and the 
rudder fell out. Further, the LBA reports that this kind of failure may 
occur on other DG series sailplanes.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? The universal 
bearing slipping out could result in the rudder separating from its 
support. This failure could lead to loss of sailplane control during 
flight operations.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? DG 
Flugzeugbau has issued Technical Note No. 301/23 issue 2, 323/14 issue 
2, 348/18 issue 2, 359/21 issue 2, 370/9 issue 2, 826/44 issue 2, 843/
21 issue 2, 866/10 issue 2, dated June 11, 2004, amended July 7, 2004.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
bulletin includes procedures for:

--Inspecting the outer bearing ring in the rudder mounting for correct 
installation;
--Modifying or replacing the complete rudder mounting assembly; and
--Ensuring that the securing washer, castellated nut, and new split 
pins are installed.

    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service 
bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-348R1, dated 
September 16, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
sailplanes in Germany.
    Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These Glaser-Dirks

[[Page 58111]]

Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-400 sailplanes and certain DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Series and DG-500M sailplanes are 
manufactured in Germany and are 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.
    Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept us 
informed of the situation described above.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    What has FAA decided? We have examined the LBA's findings, reviewed 
all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary 
for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in 
the United States.
    Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist 
or develop on other Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-
400 sailplanes and certain DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan 
Series and DG-500M sailplanes of the same type design that are 
registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent 
the universal bearing of the lower rudder mounting slipping out of the 
bearing support. The universal bearing slipping out could result in the 
rudder separating from its support. This failure could lead to loss of 
sailplane control during flight operations.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to modify or replace the complete rudder mount assembly and ensure 
that the securing washer, castellated nut, and new split pins are 
installed.
    How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On 
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation 
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight 
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material 
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is 
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD 
actions.

Costs of Compliance

    How many sailplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
this proposed AD affects 75 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs 
to do this proposed replacement of the complete rudder mount assembly. 
We have no way of determining the number of sailplanes that may need 
this replacement:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Parts   Total cost per
                   Labor cost                      cost      sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 work hours x $65 = $130......................     $265            $395
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do this proposed modification of 
the complete rudder mount assembly. We have no way of determining the 
number of sailplanes that may need this modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Total cost per
            Labor cost                   Parts cost          sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 work hours x $65 = $195.........  Not Applicable......            $195
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action? 
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 AD.

Regulatory Findings

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have 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.
    Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory 
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
AD:
    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); 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.
    We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD 
(and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) and 
placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by 
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include 
``AD Docket FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-44-AD'' in 
your request.

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 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.

[[Page 58112]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

DG Flugzeugbau GmbH and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. 
FAA-2005-22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-44-AD.

When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?

    (a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD) by November 9, 2005.

What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?

    (b) None.

What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?

    (c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Model                            Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DG-100.................................  All Serial Numbers.
DG-400.................................  All Serial Numbers.
DG-500 Elan Series.....................  All Serial Numbers Through
                                          5E23.
DG-500M................................  All Serial Numbers Through
                                          5E23.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for 
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
the universal bearing of the lower rudder mounting from slipping out 
of the bearing support. The universal bearing slipping out could 
result in the rudder separating from its support. This failure could 
lead to loss of sailplane control during flight operations.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

    (e) To address this problem, you must do the following:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Modify or replace the     Within the next 25    Follow DG
 complete rudder mounting      hours time-in-        Flugzeugbau GmbH
 assembly.                     service (TIS) after   Technical Note No.
                               the effective date    301/23 issue 2, 323/
                               of this AD, unless    14 issue 2, 348/18
                               already done.         issue 2, 359/21
                                                     issue 2, 370/9
                                                     issue 2, 826/44
                                                     issue 2, 843/21
                                                     issue 2, 866/10
                                                     issue 2, dated June
                                                     11, 2004, amended
                                                     July 7, 2004
(2) Ensure that the securing  Before further        Follow DG
 washer, castellated nut,      flight after the      Flugzeugbau GmbH
 and split pins are            modification or       Technical Note No.
 installed as specified by     replacement of the    301/23 issue 2, 323/
 the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH       complete rudder       14 issue 2, 348/18
 Technical Note No. 301/23     mounting assembly     issue 2, 359/21
 issue 2, 323/14 issue 2,      required by           issue 2, 370/9
 348/18 issue 2, 359/21        paragraph (e)(1) of   issue 2, 826/44
 issue 2, 370/9 issue 2, 826/  this AD.              issue 2, 843/21
 44 issue 2, 843/21 issue 2,                         issue 2, 866/10
 866/10 issue 2, dated June                          issue 2, dated June
 11, 2004, amended July 7,                           11, 2004, amended
 2004.                                               July 7, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Until the actions of this AD are done, the FAA strongly 
recommends that an FAA-certified mechanic perform a daily pre-flight 
inspection to check the position of the outer bearing ring following 
the requirements of DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 301/23 
issue 2, 323/14 issue 2, 348/18 issue 2, 359/21 issue 2, 370/9 issue 
2, 826/44 issue 2, 843/21 issue 2, 866/10 issue 2, dated June 11, 
2004, amended July 7, 2004. If the bearing is displaced, we 
recommend that you discontinue flight operations until you modify or 
replace the complete rudder mount assembly and ensure that the 
securing washer, castellated nut, and new split pins are installed.

May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?

    (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a 
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to 
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments 
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small 
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved 
alternative methods of compliance, contact Gregory Davison, 
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, ACE-112, Room 
301, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: 816-329-
4130; facsimile: 816-329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) German AD Number D-2004-348R1, dated September 16, 2004, 
also addresses the subject of this AD.

May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?

    (h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD, 
contact DG Flugzeugbau, Postbox 41 20, D-76625 Bruchsal, Federal 
Republic of Germany; telephone: 011-49 7257-890; facsimile: 011-49 
7257-8922. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management 
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This is docket number FAA-2005-
22157; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-44-AD.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 28, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19935 Filed 10-4-05; 8:45 am]
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