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[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10230-10232]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-3678]

[[Page 10230]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-CE-33-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Rolladen Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH 
Models LS 3, LS 4, and LS 6c Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) that would apply to certain Rolladen Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH 
(Rolladen Schneider) Models LS 3, LS 4, and LS 6c sailplanes. The 
proposed AD would require you to inspect the airbrake levers in the 
wing for lower end corrosion and for play in flight direction when 
fully extended and retracting under load; replace the bearings if there 
is jamming under load or if corrosion is found; and adjust the lower 
lever member (only for the Model LS 3). The proposed AD is the result 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the 
airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this 
proposed AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion damage to the 
airbrake levers and bearings caused by collection of water in the air 
brake boxes, not detected during postflight checks. This condition 
could result in the airbrakes locking in the extended position and a 
consequent off-field or short landing.

DATES: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive any 
comments on this proposed rule by April 2, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Send three copies of comments to FAA, Central Region, Office 
of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-CE-33-AD, 901 
Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. You may read 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 Rolladen-Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH, Muhlstrasse 10, D-63329 
Egelsbach, Germany; phone: ++ 49 6103 204126; facsimile: ++ 49 6103 
45526. You may look at this information at the Rules Docket at the 
address above.

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? We invite your comments on the 
proposed rule. You may send whatever written data, views, or arguments 
you choose. You need to include the rule's docket number and send your 
comments in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
specified above, before acting on the proposed rule. We may change the 
proposals contained in this notice in light of the comments received.
    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 require a change to the proposed rule. You may look at 
all comments we receive. We will file a report in the Rules Docket that 
summarizes each FAA contact with the public that concerns the 
substantive parts of this proposal.
    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 the 
ease of understanding this document, 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.faa.gov/language/.
    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-33-AD.'' We will date stamp and mail the postcard 
back to you.

Discussion

    What events have caused this proposed AD? The LBA, which is the 
airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Rolladen Schneider Models LS 3, 
LS 4, and LS 6c sailplanes. The LBA reports one occurrence of corroded 
bearings on the lower ends of air brake levers found on the above-
referenced sailplanes. The damage was possibly the result of improper 
postflight checks. It has been reported that in some cases, the 
corrosion, occurring over a long time, could cause bearing failure and 
consequent locking of air brakes in the extended position.
    What are the consequences if the condition is not corrected? If the 
airbrakes lock in the extended position, inadvertent off-field or short 
landing conditions might occur.
    Is there service information that applies to this subject? Rolladen 
Schneider has issued these technical bulletins dated September 14, 
1999:

--No. 3051;
--No. 4043; and
--No. 6037.

    What are the provisions of these service bulletins? These service 
bulletins specifies procedures for:

--Inspecting air brake levers in the wing for lower end corrosion and 
for play in flight direction when fully extended; inspect for 
retraction under load; replacing the bearings if there is jamming under 
load or if corrosion is found; and
--Adjusting the lower lever member (only for the Model LS 3).

    What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified these service 
bulletins as mandatory and issued these German AD's, dated March 9, 
2000, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these sailplanes in 
Germany:

--2000-076;
--2000-082; and
--2000-085.

    Was this in accordance with the bilateral airworthiness agreement? 
These sailplane models are manufactured in Germany and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
    Complying with this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA 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 LBA; 
reviewed all available information, including the service information 
referenced above; and determined that:

--The unsafe condition referenced in this document exists or could 
develop on other Rolladen Schneider Models LS 3, LS 4, and LS 6c 
sailplanes of the same type design;

[[Page 10231]]

--The actions specified in the previously-referenced service 
information should be done on the affected sailplanes; and
--AD action should be taken in order to correct this unsafe condition.

    What would the proposed AD require? This proposed AD would require 
you to do the actions specified in the previously referenced service 
information.

Cost Impact

    How many sailplanes would the proposed AD impact? We estimate that 
the proposed AD would affect 175 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
    What would be the cost impact of the proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs 
to do the proposed inspection:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Total cost on
                 Labor cost                            Parts cost             Total cost per     U.S. sailplane
                                                                                sailplane          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 workhours  x  $60 per hour = $120........  Not applicable...............               $120            $21,000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary bearing 
replacement that would be required because of the results of the 
proposed inspection. We have no way of determining the number of 
sailplanes that may need bearings replaced:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Total cost per
          Labor cost              Parts cost            sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 workhours  x  $60 per hour  $35 for bearings                   $2,385
 = $1,800..                     + $550 for
                                levers = $585..
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Compliance Time of the Proposed AD

    What would be the compliance time of the proposed AD? The 
compliance time of this proposed AD is within the next 30 calendar days 
after the effective date of this AD.
    Why is the compliance time presented in calendar time instead of 
hours time-in-service (TIS)? Because of the typical use of sailplanes, 
calendar days compliance time was deemed more suitable than time in 
service. For example, one sailplane operator may use the sailplane 50 
hours in 1 month while another may only accumulate 50 hours in 1 year.
    Why is the compliance time of the proposed AD different from the 
German AD and the service information? The service information 
specifies the actions required in this proposed AD ``before next 
flight'' and the German AD mandates these actions ``before next take-
off, when play at levers is existent'' for sailplanes registered for 
operation in Germany. The FAA does not have justification for requiring 
the action before further flight. Compliance times such as these are 
used for urgent safety of flight conditions. Instead, FAA has 
determined that 30 calendar days is a reasonable time period for doing 
the inspection in this proposed AD.

Regulatory Impact

    Would this proposed AD impact various entities? The regulations 
proposed 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.
    Would 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Rolladen Schneider Flugzeugbau GMBH: Docket No. 2000-CE-33-AD

    (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects 
Models LS 3, LS 4, and LS 6c 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 must comply with this AD.
    (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion damage to the 
airbrake levers and bearings caused by collection of water in the 
air brake boxes not detected during postflight checks. This 
condition could result in the airbrakes locking in the extended 
position and a consequent off-field or short landing.
    (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To 
address this problem, unless already done, you must do the 
following:

[[Page 10232]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Actions                  Compliance          Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Inspect the airbrake levers   Within the next 30  Do these actions
 in the wing for lower end         calendar days       following the
 corrosion and for play in         after the           applicable
 flight direction when fully       effective date of   Rolladen
 extended, and retracting under    this AD, and        Schneider
 load.                             thereafter at       Technical
                                   every three         Bulletin:
                                   calendar years.    Model LS 3: No.
                                                       3051, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999;
                                                      Model LS 4: No.
                                                       4043, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999; or
                                                      Model LS 6c: No.
                                                       6037, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999.
(2) Replace the bearings if       Before further      Do this action
 there is jamming under the load.  flight after the    following the
                                   inspection          applicable
                                   required by this    Rolladen
                                   AD.                 Schneider
                                                       Technical
                                                       Bulletin:
                                                      Model LS 3: No.
                                                       3051, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999;
                                                      Model LS 4: No.
                                                       4043, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999; or
                                                      Model LS 6c: No.
                                                       6037, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999.
(3) If corrosion of the bearings  Within 6 calendar   Do this action
 is found, but no jamming,         months after the    following the
 replace the bearings.             inspection          applicable
                                   required by this    Rolladen
                                   AD.                 Schneider
                                                       Technical
                                                       Bulletin:
                                                      Model LS 3: No.
                                                       3051, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999;
                                                      Model LS 4: No.
                                                       4043, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999; or
                                                      Model LS 6c: No.
                                                       6037, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999.
(4) For only the Model LS 3,      Within the next 30  Do this action
 adjust the lower lever member.    calendar days       following the
                                   after the           procedures
                                   effective date of   contained in
                                   this AD.            Rolladen
                                                       Schneider
                                                       Technical
                                                       Bulletin No.
                                                       3051, dated
                                                       September 14,
                                                       1999.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (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. Submit your request through an FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate.

    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. 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe 
condition, specify actions you propose to address it.

    (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved 
alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mike Kiesov, Aerospace 
Engineer, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4121; facsimile: (816) 
329-4091.
    (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 get copies of the documents referenced in this AD from 
Rolladen-Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH, Muhlstrasse 10, D-63329 
Egelsbach, Germany. 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 these German AD's 
dated March 9, 2000:

--2000-076;
--2000-082; and
--2000-085.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 22, 2001.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-3678 Filed 2-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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