98-31012. Airworthiness Directives; Ursula Hanle Model H101 ``Salto'' Sailplanes  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 225 (Monday, November 23, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 64605-64606]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-31012]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
    
    Federal Aviation Administration
    
    14 CFR Part 39
    
    [Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD; Amendment 39-10898; AD 98-24-12]
    RIN 2120-AA64
    
    
    Airworthiness Directives; Ursula Hanle Model H101 ``Salto'' 
    Sailplanes
    
    AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
    applies to all Ursula Hanle (Hanle) Model H101 ``Salto'' sailplanes. 
    This AD requires replacing the airbrake lever with one of improved 
    design. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
    information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. 
    The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the airbrake 
    from deploying during high g maneuvers, which could result in an 
    overstressing effect on the airframe with consequent reduced sailplane 
    control.
    
    DATES: Effective December 24, 1998.
        The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
    the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
    of December 24, 1998.
    
    ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
    from Ursula Hanle, Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, Federal 
    Republic of Germany; telephone and facsimile: +49 (0) 33875-30389. This 
    information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration 
    (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules 
    Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
    Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
    Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, 
    FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, 
    Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6934; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD
    
        A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all Hanle Model H101 
    ``Salto'' sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice 
    of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on September 25, 1998 (63 FR 49307). The 
    NPRM proposed to require replacing the airbrake lever made of sheet 
    metal with one made of steel. Accomplishment of the proposed action as 
    specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with Ursula Hanle 
    Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 1998.
        The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
    information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany.
        Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
    in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
    proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    
    The FAA's Determination
    
        After careful review of all available information related to the 
    subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
    public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
    minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
    corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
    additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
    
    Compliance Time of This AD
    
        Although the airbrake lever will only come out during flight in 
    high g maneuvers, the unsafe condition specified in this AD is not a 
    result of the number of times the sailplane is operated. The chance of 
    this situation occurring is the same for a sailplane with 10 hours 
    time-in-service (TIS) as it would be for a sailplane with 500 hours 
    TIS. For this reason, the FAA has determined that a compliance based on 
    calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to assure that the 
    unsafe condition is addressed on all sailplanes in a reasonable time 
    period.
    
    Cost Impact
    
        The FAA estimates that 8 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
    affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 workhours per 
    sailplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
    approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $295 per sailplane. 
    Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. 
    operators is estimated to be $5,240, or $655 per sailplane.
    
    Regulatory Impact
    
        The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects 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, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
    rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
    preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
        For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) 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 final evaluation prepared for this 
    action is contained 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, Incorporation by 
    reference, Safety.
    
    Adoption of the Amendment
    
        Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
    Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
    (AD) to read as follows:
    
    98-24-12  Ursula Hanle: Amendment 39-10898; Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD.
    
        Applicability: Model H101 ``Salto'' sailplanes, all serial 
    numbers, certificated in any category.
    
        Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in the 
    preceding applicability provision, 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
    
    [[Page 64606]]
    
    requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request 
    approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with 
    paragraph (c) 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 the unsafe condition 
    has not been eliminated, the request should include specific 
    proposed actions to address it.
    
        Compliance: Required within the next 3 calendar months after the 
    effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
        To prevent the airbrake from inadvertently deploying during high 
    g maneuvers, which could result in an overstressing effect on the 
    airframe with consequent reduced sailplane control, accomplish the 
    following:
        (a) Replace the airbrake lever in accordance with Ursula 
    Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 1998, and drawing No. 
    101-44-3(2), as referenced in the technical bulletin.
        (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
    sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
    CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the sailplane to a location where 
    the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
        (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
    compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
    approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, 
    suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be 
    forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
    add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
    Directorate.
    
        Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
    alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
    obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
    
        (d) Questions or technical information related to Ursula Hanle 
    Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 21, 1998, should be 
    directed to Ursula Hanle, Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, 
    Federal Republic of Germany; telephone and facsimile: +49 (0) 33875-
    30389. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central 
    Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
    Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
        (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in 
    accordance with Ursula Technical Bulletin 101-25/2, dated January 
    21, 1998, and drawing No. 101-44-3(2), as referenced in the 
    technical bulletin. This incorporation by reference was approved by 
    the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
    552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Ursula Hanle, 
    Haus Schwalbenwerder, D-14728 Strodehne, Federal Republic of 
    Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office 
    of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
    Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
    Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.
        Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 1998-
    108, dated February 26, 1998.
    
        (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 24, 1998.
    
        Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 12, 1998.
    Marvin R. Nuss,
    Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
    Service.
    [FR Doc. 98-31012 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
12/24/1998
Published:
11/23/1998
Department:
Federal Aviation Administration
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-31012
Dates:
Effective December 24, 1998.
Pages:
64605-64606 (2 pages)
Docket Numbers:
Docket No. 98-CE-35-AD, Amendment 39-10898, AD 98-24-12
RINs:
2120-AA64: Airworthiness Directives
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/2120-AA64/airworthiness-directives
PDF File:
98-31012.pdf
CFR: (1)
14 CFR 39.13