Document ID: FAA-2013-0450-0003
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Alexander Schleicher GmbH and Co. Segelflugzeugbau Sailplanes
Posted Date: 2013-08-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 169 (Friday, August 30, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53630-53633]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-21075]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0450; Directorate Identifier 2013-CE-010-AD; 
Amendment 39-17543; AD 2013-16-05]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Sailplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Models AS -
K13, Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B 
sailplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority

[[Page 53631]]

of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as 
misalignment of the automatic elevator control connection. We are 
issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 4, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 4, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the Docket 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 Alexander 
Schleicher GmbH & Co Segelflugzeugbau, Stra[szlig]e 1 D--36163 
Poppenhausen, Germany; phone: ++49 (0) 6658/89-0; fax: ++49 (0) 6658/
89-40; email: info@alexander-schleicher.de; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/. 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; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov.

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. 
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2013 (78 FR 
30791), and proposed to supersede AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 
3227, March 11, 1964) (``AD 64-07-05''). The NPRM proposed to correct 
an unsafe condition for the specified products.
    Since we issued AD 64-07-05, the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the 
European Community, issued a new AD, AD No. 2013-0091, dated April 12, 
2013 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to add additional 
sailplane models to the applicability and to add additional inspections 
of the elevator control connection. Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau has also issued revised service information to address 
the unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

A recent report has been received concerning a problem with the 
elevator control during take-off of an ASK 13 sailplane. The results 
of the technical investigation revealed a misalignment in the 
automatic elevator control connection, presumably caused by an 
incorrect repair or damage at the tail-plane-area. In addition, 
similar elevator connection failure during early 1960's which led to 
the issuance of LBA LTM 4/62. However, LTM, 4/62 did not apply to 
ASK 13 and ASK 18 sailplanes coming later into production.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the automatic elevator control connection, possibly 
resulting in loss of control of the sailplane.
    To address this unsafe condition, Alexander Schleicher GmbH 
issued a Technical Note (TN) (Ka 6 TN-Nr. 26; K 7 TN-Nr. 24; K 8 TN-
Nr. 30; ASK 13 TN-Nr. 19; ASK 18 TN-Nr. 9) providing instructions 
for elevator control inspection and replacement and EASA issued AD 
2012-0246 to require accomplishment of those instructions.
    Since that AD was issued, Alexander Schleicher GmbH issued a 
revision of TN (Ka 6 TN-Nr. 26; K 7 TN-Nr. 24; K 8 TN-Nr. 30; ASK 13 
TN-Nr. 19, ASK 18 TN-Nr. 9), dated 08 January 2013 to re-introduce a 
pushrod support modification for K 7 and K 8 sailplanes, previously 
required by LBA LTM 4/62, but no longer required by EASA AD 2012-
0246, which superseded the LBA LTM.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2012-0246, which is superseded, and 
additionally requires, for K 7 and K 8 sailplanes, verification of 
embodiment of pushrod support modification, and depending on 
finding, pushrod support modification.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 30791, May 23, 
2013) 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 this 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 (78 FR 30791, May 23, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 30791, May 23, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 127 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about .5 work-hour per product to 
comply with the new inspection requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the initial 
inspection required in this AD on U.S. operators to be $5,397.50, or 
$42.50 per product.
    We have no way of determining the number of repetitive inspections 
an owner/operator will incur over the life of the sailplane.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $119, for a cost of 
$204 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products 
that may need these actions.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with actions retained from AD 64-07-05 for Models Ka2B, Ka 6, 
Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B sailplanes in this 
AD, which affects 112 products of U.S. registry, and may require parts 
costing $103, for a cost of $273 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 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.

[[Page 53632]]

    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; 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 removing Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, 
March 11, 1964) and adding the following new AD:

2013-16-05 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau: 
Amendment 39-17543; Docket No. FAA-2013-0450; Directorate Identifier 
2013-CE-010-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 4, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227; March 
11, 1964).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau Models AS -K13, Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 
C, Ka 6 CR, K7, K8, and K 8 B sailplanes, all serial numbers, 
certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by 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 misalignment of 
the automatic elevator control connection. The European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA) has issued a new AD to add additional sailplane 
models to the applicability and to add additional inspections of the 
elevator control connection. Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau has also issued revised service information to 
address the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the automatic elevator control connection, which could 
result in loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance Retained From AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 
FR 3227, March 1, 1964)

    Unless already done, do the following actions specified in 
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD.
    (1) For Models Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7, 
K8, and K 8 B: Unless already done, within the next 10 hours time-
in-service (TIS) after April 13, 1964 (the effective date retained 
from AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, March 1, 1964)), 
inspect the automatic elevator control rod for conformity following 
Alexander Schleicher Automatischer H[ouml]henruderanschlu[beta] 
(English translation: Automatic Elevator Connection) document, dated 
December 5, 1961, translation added May, 2012.
    (2) For Models Ka2B, Ka 6, Ka 6 B, Ka 6 BR, Ka 6 C, Ka 6 CR, K7, 
K8, and K 8 B: If any discrepancy is found during the inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, make 
any necessary repairs or modification.

    Note to paragraph (f)(2) of this AD:  For guidance on making the 
necessary repairs or modification required in paragraph (f)(2) of 
this AD, you may refer to FAA Civil Aeronautics Manual (CAM) 18, 
Maintenance, Repair, And Alteration, Of Airframes, Powerplants, 
Propellers, And Appliances, dated December 15, 1959, which can be 
found on the Internet at: http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory--and--
Guidance--Library/rgccab.nsf/0/41df1277f2dc7e0e86257bcf005112bf/
$FILE/CAM--18--1959.pdf, without handwritten annotations, as revised 
through November 15, 1962.

    (3) For Models Ka2B, K7, K8 and K 8 B: Unless already done, 
within the next 10 hours TIS after April 13, 1964 (the effective 
date retained from AD 64-07-05, Amendment 701 (29 FR 3227, March 1, 
1964)), install an additional push pull rod support. For Models 
Ka2B, follow Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 7, dated July 4, 
1962. For Models K7, follow Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 8, 
dated November 23, 1961. For Models K8, follow Alexander Schleicher 
Modification No. 7, dated November 24, 1961.

(g) New Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) For all models: Within 90 days after October 4, 2013 (the 
effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 12 months, inspect the elevator control rod in the 
tailplane following the Action section in Alexander Schleicher 
Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 
13 for Ka 2 and Ka 2b, TM-Nr. 26 for Ka 6, TM-Nr. 24 for K 7, TM-Nr. 
30 for K 8, TM-Nr. 19 for ASK 13, and TM-Nr. 9 for ASK 18, all 
Berichtigung 1 (English translation: Revision 1), all dated January 
8, 2013.
    (2) For all models: During any inspection required in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, if any bend and/or misaligned elevator control 
connection is detected, before further flight after the inspection, 
replace the elevator control connection with a serviceable part. Do 
the replacement following the Action section in Alexander Schleicher 
Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 
13 for Ka 2 and Ka 2b, TM-Nr. 26 for Ka 6, TM-Nr. 24 for K 7, TM-Nr. 
30 for K 8, TM-Nr. 19 for ASK 13, and TM-Nr. 9 for ASK 18, all 
Berichtigung 1 (English translation: Revision 1), all dated January 
8, 2013.

(h) Credit for Actions Done Following Previous Service Information

    This AD provides credit for the initial inspection required in 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD and any necessary replacement required 
in paragraph (g)(2) of this AD if already done before the effective 
date of this AD following the Action sections in Alexander 
Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Technical 
Note) TM-Nr. 13 for Ka 2 and Ka 2b, TM-Nr. 26 for Ka 6, TM-Nr. 24 
for K 7, TM-Nr. 30 for K 8, TM-Nr. 19 for ASK 13, and TM-Nr. 9 for 
ASK 18, dated August 30, 2012.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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; email: 
jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any 
sailplane 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.

[[Page 53633]]

    (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.

(j) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 
2013-0091, dated April 12, 2013, which can be found in the AD docket 
on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; FAA Civil Aeronautics 
Manual (CAM) 18, Maintenance, Repair, And Alteration, Of Airframes, 
Powerplants, Propellers, And Appliances, dated December 15, 1959, 
which can be found on the Internet at: http://rgl.faa.gov/
Regulatory--and--Guidance--Library/rgccab.nsf/0/
41df1277f2dc7e0e86257bcf005112bf/$FILE/CAM--18--1959.pdf, without 
handwritten annotations, as revised through November 15, 1962; and 
Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English translation: 
Technical Note) TM-Nr. 13 for Ka 2 and Ka 2b, TM-Nr. 26 for Ka 6, 
TM-Nr. 24 for K 7, TM-Nr. 30 for K 8, TM-Nr. 19 for ASK 13, and TM-
Nr. 9 for ASK 18, dated August 30, 2012, which can be obtained from 
the manufacturer at the address specified in paragraph (k)(4) of 
this AD, for related information.

(k) 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 
October 4, 2013.
    (i) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 13, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.
    (ii) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 26, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.
    (iii) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 24, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.
    (iv) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 30, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.
    (v) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 19, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.
    (vi) Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English 
translation: Technical Note) TM-Nr. 9, Berichtigung 1 (English 
translation: Revision 1), dated January 8, 2013.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (k)(3)(i) through (k)(3)(vi) of this AD:  
Alexander Schleicher Technische Mitteilung (English translation: 
Technical Note) TM-Nr. 13 for Ka 2 and Ka 2b, TM-Nr. 26 for Ka 6, 
TM-Nr. 24 for K 7, TM-Nr. 30 for K 8, TM-Nr. 19 for ASK 13, and TM-
Nr. 9 for ASK 18, all Berichtigung 1 (English translation: Revision 
1), all dated January 8, 2013, are co-published as one document. 
This service information contains German to English translation. 
EASA used the English translation in referencing the document from 
Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau. For enforceability 
purposes, we will cite references to the Alexander Schleicher GmbH & 
Co. Segelflugzeugbau service information as it appears on the 
document.

    (vii) Alexander Schleicher Automatischer 
H[ouml]henruderanschlu[beta] (English translation: Automatic 
Elevator Connection) document, dated December 5, 1961, translation 
added May, 2012.

    Note 2 to paragraph (k)(3)(vii) of this AD: This service 
information contains German to English translation. EASA used the 
English translation in referencing the document from Alexander 
Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau. For enforceability purposes, 
we will cite references to the Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 
Segelflugzeugbau service information as it appears on the document.

    (viii) Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 7 Glider Ka 2 and 
Ka 2B, L-140 and L-203, dated July 4, 1962.
    (ix) Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 7 Glider K 8 L-216, 
dated November 24, 1961.
    (x) Alexander Schleicher Modification No. 8 Glider K 7 L-211, 
dated November 23, 1961.
    (4) For Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co Segelflugzeugbau service 
information identified in this AD, contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH 
& Co Segelflugzeugbau, Stra[szlig]e 1 D--36163 Poppenhausen, 
Germany; phone: ++49 (0) 6658/89-0, fax: +49 (0) 6658/89-40, email: 
info@alexander-schleicher.de; Internet: http://www.alexander-schleicher.de.
    (5) You may view this service information at 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.
    (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 July 31, 2013.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 2013-21075 Filed 8-29-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P