[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 5, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58107-58109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19936]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-45-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-800B and 
DG-500MB Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-800B and DG-500MB sailplanes. 
This proposed AD would require you to modify the connection of the 
starter ring gear to the lower drive belt pulley adapter. 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 bolts currently used to connect the starter 
ring gear to the drive belt pulley adapter from shearing off and the 
bolt heads falling into the engine compartment. Failure of this 
connection could render the engine inoperative. Consequently, this 
failure could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.

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: ++49 7257 890; facsimile: ++45 7257 
8922; e-mail: www.dg-flugzeugbau.de.
    To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov. 
This is docket number FAA-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
45-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory Davison, Glider Project 
Manager, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, 
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-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-45-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-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-
45-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 certain DG 
Flugzeugbau GmbH

[[Page 58108]]

Models DG-800B and DG-500MB sailplanes. The LBA reports that sheared 
off bolt heads have been found in the engine compartment of 
approximately 20 of the specified sailplanes. These bolts connect the 
starter ring gear to the lower drive belt pulley adapter. Failure of 
this connection could render the engine inoperative.
    What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? The bolts 
currently used to connect the starter ring gear to the drive belt 
pulley adapter may shear off and the bolt heads could fall into the 
engine compartment. Failure of this connection could render the engine 
inoperative. Consequently, this failure could lead to loss of control 
of the sailplane.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? DG-
Flugzeugbau GmbH has issued Working Instruction No. 1 for TN 873/30, 
dated June 9, 2004; and Technical Note No. 873/30 and No. 843/22, 
approved by LBA on June 29, 2004, and approved by the European Aviation 
Safety Agency on July 9, 2004.
    What are the provisions of this service information? The service 
information includes procedures for:

--Removing the starter ring gear assembly with adapter and lower 
pulley;
--Modifying the connection area where the bolts connect the starter 
ring gear to the lower drive belt pulley adapter; and
--Reinstalling the starter ring gear assembly with the adapter and 
lower pulley.

    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service 
information as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2004-347, dated 
July 2, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes 
in Germany.
    Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral 
airworthiness agreement? These DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-800B and 
DG-500MB 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 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-800B and DG-500MB 
sailplanes of the same type design that are registered in the United 
States, we are proposing AD action to prevent the bolts currently used 
to connect the starter ring gear to the drive belt pulley adapter from 
shearing off and the bolt heads falling into the engine compartment. 
Failure of this connection could render the engine inoperative. 
Consequently, this failure could lead to loss of control of the 
sailplane.
    What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to incorporate the actions in the previously-referenced service 
information.
    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 7 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 modification:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Parts    Total cost per   Total cost on
         Labor cost             cost       sailplane      U.S. operators
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 workhours x $65 = $195....      $21             $216           $1,512
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-45-AD'' in 
your request.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

[[Page 58109]]

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.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2005-22206; Directorate 
Identifier 2005-CE-45-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 airplane models and serial 
numbers that are certificated in any category:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model                           Serial numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) DG-800B.......................  All serial numbers up to and
                                     including 8-260, with the exception
                                     of 8-247 and 8-258; and
(2) DG-500MB......................  All serial numbers up to and
                                     including 5E220B15, with the
                                     exception of 5E190B5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?

    (d) This AD is the result of bolt failure in the connection of 
the starter ring gear to the drive belt pulley adapter. The bolt 
heads may shear off and the bolt heads could fall into the engine 
compartment. The actions specified in this AD are intended to 
prevent the bolts currently used to connect the starter ring gear to 
the drive belt pulley adapter from shearing off and the bolt heads 
falling into the engine compartment. Failure of this connection 
could render the engine inoperative. Consequently, this failure 
could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.

What Must I Do To Address This Problem?

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

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Actions                 Compliance            Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Remove the starter ring   Within 30 days after  Follow DG-
 gear assembly with adapter    the effective date    Flugzeugbau GmbH
 and lower drive belt pulley.  of this AD.           Working Instruction
                                                     No. 1 for TN 873/
                                                     30, dated June 9,
                                                     2004; and Technical
                                                     Note No. 873/30 and
                                                     No. 843/22,
                                                     approved by
                                                     Luftfahrt-Bundesamt
                                                     (LBA) on June 29,
                                                     2004, and approved
                                                     by European
                                                     Aviation Safety
                                                     Agency (EASA) on
                                                     July 9, 2004.
(2) Modify the connection     Within 30 days after  Follow DG-
 area where the bolts          the effective date    Flugzeugbau GmbH
 connect the starter ring      of this AD.           Working Instruction
 gear to the lower drive                             No. 1 for TN 873/
 belt pulley adapter.                                30, dated June 9,
                                                     2004; and Technical
                                                     Note No. 873/30 and
                                                     No. 843/22,
                                                     approved by LBA on
                                                     June 29, 2004, and
                                                     approved by EASA on
                                                     July 9, 2004.
(3) Reinstall the starter     Within 30 days after  Follow DG-
 ring gear assembly with the   the effective date    Flugzeugbau GmbH
 adapter and lower pulley.     of this AD.           Working Instruction
                                                     No. 1 for TN 873/
                                                     30, dated June 9,
                                                     2004; and Technical
                                                     Note No. 873/30 and
                                                     No. 843/22,
                                                     approved by LBA on
                                                     June 29, 2004, and
                                                     approved by EASA on
                                                     July 9, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note: Until the actions of this AD are done, the FAA strongly 
recommends you visually inspect the engine compartment before and 
after each flight for sheared off bolt heads. If discrepancies are 
found, discontinue use until modification is done. An owner/operator 
licensed under 14 CFR part 61 or part 65 may do these inspections.

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, Glider 
Project Manager, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, 
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; 
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?

    (g) LBA Airworthiness Directive D-2004-347, dated July 2, 2004; 
DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instruction No. 1 for TN 873/30, dated 
June 9, 2004; and Technical Note No. 873/30 and No. 843/22, approved 
by LBA on June 29, 2004, and approved by the EASA on July 9, 2004, 
also address 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: ++49 7257 890; facsimile: ++45 7257 
8922; e-mail: www.dg-flugzeugbau.de. 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-2005-22206; Directorate Identifier 2005-CE-45-AD.


    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on September 28, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19936 Filed 10-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P