Document ID: FAA-2017-1068-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Intreprinderea De Constructii Aeronautice Gliders
Posted Date: 2017-11-14T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 218 (Tuesday, November 14, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52676-52678]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24500]

 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
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 

  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 218 / Tuesday, November 14, 2017 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 52676]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1068; Product Identifier 2017-CE-034-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Intreprinderea De Constructii 
Aeronautice Gliders

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
Intreprinderea De Constructii Aeronautice Model IS-28B2 gliders. 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 cracks at stringers in the rear 
fuselage of several Model IS-28B2 gliders. We are issuing this proposed 
AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these 
products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 29, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Aeroclubul Romaniei, Bd.Lascar Catargiu, Nr.54, cod: 010673, Sector 1, 
Bucharest, Romania; telephone: 011+40 021-312-36-19; fax: 011+40 021-
312-36-19; Internet: www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro; email: 
www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro/contact/.
    You may review this 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.

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-2017-
1068; 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 this proposed AD, 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1068; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-034-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
No.: 2016-0233, dated November 23, 2016 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for Intreprinderea De 
Constructii Aeronautice Model IS-28B2 gliders. The MCAI states:

    Cracks were reportedly detected, located at stringers in the 
rear fuselage of a number of IS-28B2 sailplanes. The subsequent 
investigation attributed these cracks to induction of a pre-stress 
during the manufacturing process of the affected parts.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
reduced structural strength, possibly resulting in a loss of 
structural integrity of the sailplane.
    To address this potentially unsafe condition, Aeroclubul 
Romaniei (AR) issued Service Bulletin (SB) SB-IS-28B2-AR-01 to 
provide inspection instructions. AR is currently developing 
modification(s) to provide a design solution for the affected 
sailplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive inspections of the structure of the rear fuselage and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action and further 
AD action may follow.

Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Aeroclubul Romaniei has issued Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin 
No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 003, dated February 9, 2017 (ARSB No. 
AR-01), and Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, 
Revision 01, dated February 24, 2017 (ARSB No. AR-02). ARSB No. AR-01 
describes procedures for inspection of the rear fuselage area to detect 
any cracks, ruptures, or corrosion. ARSB No. AR-02 describes procedures 
for installation of a modification to the upper stringer of the rear 
fuselage. This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means

[[Page 52677]]

identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 30 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 proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $5,100, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 15 work-hours and require parts costing $1,000, for a cost 
of $2,275 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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.
    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, and 
domestic business jet transport airplanes to the Director of the Policy 
and Innovation Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 adding the following new AD:

Intreprinderea De Constructii Aeronautice: Docket No. FAA-2017-1068; 
Product Identifier 2017-CE-034-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 29, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Intreprinderea De Constructii Aeronautice IS-
28B2 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 53: Fuselage.

(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 cracks at 
stringers in the rear fuselage of several Model IS-28B2 gliders. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, which could lead 
to reduced structural strength resulting in loss of structural 
integrity and loss of control.

(f) Actions and Compliance

    Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs 
(f)(1) and (2):
    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD and 
repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours time-in-
service (TIS), inspect the rear fuselage structure following the 
instructions in Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin (SB) No.: SB-
IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 003, dated February 9, 2017.
    (2) If any crack or corrosion is detected during any inspection 
required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, 
modify the rear fuselage structure following the instructions in 
Aeroclubul Romaniei SB No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, Revision 01, dated 
February 24, 2017.
    (3) Completion of the modification to the rear fuselage 
structure as required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD terminates the 
repetitive inspections required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

(g) Reporting Requirement

    Although Aeroclubul Romaniei SB No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 
003, dated February 9, 2017, specifies to submit certain information 
to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.

(h) 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

[[Page 52678]]

by the Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI AD No.: 2016-0233, dated November 23, 2016; 
Aeroclubul Romaniei Service Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-01, Revision 
003, dated February 9, 2017, and Aeroclubul Romaniei Service 
Bulletin No.: SB-IS-28B2-AR-02, Revision 01, dated February 24, 
2017. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2017-1068. For service information related to this AD, contact 
Aeroclubul Romaniei, Bd.Lascar Catargiu, Nr.54, cod: 010673, Sector 
1, Bucharest, Romania; telephone: 011+40 021-312-36-19; fax: 011+40 
021-312-36-19; Internet: www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro; email: 
www.aeroclubulromaniei.ro/contact/. You may review this 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.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 3, 2017.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Acting Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24500 Filed 11-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P