Document ID: FAA-2018-0093-0002
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
Posted Date: 2018-05-22T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 22, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23575-23577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-10583]

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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 99 / Tuesday, May 22, 2018 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 23575]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0093; Product Identifier 2017-CE-047-AD; Amendment 
39-19284; AD 2018-10-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-11-03 for 
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB gliders that are equipped with a 
Solo 2625 02 engine modified with a fuel injection system following the 
instructions of Solo Kleinmoteren GmbH Technische Mitteilung 4600-3 and 
identified as Solo 2625 02i. 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 failure of 
the connecting rod bearing resulting from too much load on the rod 
bearings from the engine control unit. This AD adds a model to the 
applicability. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective June 26, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of June 29, 2017 
(82 FR 24015; May 25, 2017).

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0093; or in person at Docket Operations, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 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 Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: germany.com">[email protected]germany.com; internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 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 Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models 
DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders. That NPRM was published in the Federal 
Register on February 12, 2018 (83 FR 5956), and proposed to supersede 
AD 2017-11-03, Amendment 39-18902 (82 FR 24015; May 25, 2017) (``AD 
2017-11-03''). Since we issued AD 2017-11-03, the FAA has now type 
certificated the DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-1000M glider and that 
glider model is equipped with a Solo 2625 02i engine. Since this model 
has the same engine, it is subject to the same unsafe condition in AD 
2017-11-03.
    The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products and was based on mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another 
country. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0158-0002.

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 relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for 
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin) Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English 
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016, approved for 
incorporation by reference on June 29, 2017 (82 FR 24015; May 25, 
2017). The service information describes procedures for a software 
update that provides new settings to the engine control unit (ECU) to 
lower the load on the bearings of the crankshaft. This service 
information is reasonably available because the interested parties have 
access to it through their normal course of business or by the means 
identified in the ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 6 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 $1,020, or $170 per product.

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

[[Page 23576]]

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, 
balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and 
associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation 
Division.

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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (4) 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0093; or in person at Docket Operations 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 Docket Operations (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 removing Amendment 39-18902 (82 FR 
24015; May 25, 2017) and adding the following new AD:

2018-10-09 DG Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-19284; Docket No. FAA-
2018-0093; Product Identifier 2017-CE-047-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 26, 
2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2017-11-03, Amendment 39-18902 (82 FR 
24015; May 25, 2017) (``AD 2017-11-03'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500MB and DG-
1000M gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, 
that are:
    (1) Equipped with Solo 2625 02 engine modified with a fuel 
injection system following the instructions of Solo Kleinmotoren 
GmbH Service Bulletin (SB)/Technische Mitteilung (TM) 4600-3 ``Fuel 
Injection System'' and re-identified as Solo 2625 02i; or
    (2) equipped with a Solo 2625 02i engine at manufacture and have 
engine serial numbers S/Ns up to 369/207, except engine S/Ns 354/
194, 356/196, 357/197, 358/198, 361/201, 362/202, 363/203, 364/204, 
and 368/206.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 73: Engine fuel 
and control.

(e) Reason

    This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) originated 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 failure of the 
connecting rod bearing resulting from too much load on the rod 
bearings from the engine control unit. This AD results from the need 
to add a glider model to the applicability. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent such failure that could lead to the potential of an in-
flight shut-down and engine fire and result in loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    (1) Unless already done, modify the engine by installing a 
software update for the engine control unit (ECU) following the 
actions in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English 
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016, at the applicable 
compliance time in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
    (i) For Model DG-500MB gliders, within the next 60 days after 
June 29, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-11-03); or
    (ii) For Model DG-1000M gliders, within the next 60 days after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (2) After the modification of an engine as required by paragraph 
(f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, do not install a replacement ECU 
on that engine and do not upload any software update to the ECU of 
that engine unless the ECU software version is as specified in Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English translation: 
Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 
1), dated November 16, 2016.
    (3) The Note in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung 
(English translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 
(English translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016, stating 
``the actions have to be accomplished by a certified maintenance 
organization and must be released to service accordingly'' is not 
applicable to this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: This service information 
contains German to English translation. The EASA used the English 
translation in referencing the document. For enforceability 
purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service information 
as it appears on the document.

(g) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Small Airplane Standards Branch, 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 Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-
4090; email: [email protected]. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any glider 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane 
Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA).

(h) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No.: 
2016-0254, dated

[[Page 23577]]

December 15, 2016, correction dated January 4, 2017, for related 
information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FAA-2017-0158-0002.

(i) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
June 29, 2017 (82 FR 24015; May 25, 2017).
    (i) Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English 
translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.

    Note 2 to paragraph (i)(3)(i) of this AD: This service 
information contains German to English translation. The EASA used 
the English translation in referencing the document. For 
enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren 
service information as it appears on the document.

    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact Solo 
Kleinmotoren GmbH, Postfach 600152, 71050 Sindelfingen, Germany; 
telephone: +49 703 1301-0; fax: +49 703 1301-136; email: 
germany.com">[email protected]germany.com; internet: http://aircraft.solo-online.com.
    (5) You may view this service information at FAA, Policy and 
Innovation Division, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
816-329-4148. In addition, you can access this service information 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and 
locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0093.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 11, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Aircraft Certification Service, Deputy Director, Policy and Innovation 
Division, AIR-601.
[FR Doc. 2018-10583 Filed 5-21-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P