[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 140 (Wednesday, July 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39229-39231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19333]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-CE-31-AD; Amendment 39-10671; AD 98-15-20]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-
500M Gliders
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 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (Glaser-Dirks) Model DG-
500M gliders. This AD requires inspecting the center of gravity (C.G.)
tow release cable pulley for correct positioning, and replacing the
C.G. tow release cable pulley with one made of aluminum either
immediately or eventually depending on the results of the inspection.
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 C.G. tow release cable
from coming off the pulley because of incorrect positioning, which
could result in the pilot being unable to release from tow operations.
DATES: Effective September 9, 1998.
[[Page 39230]]
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of September 9, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained
from DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany;
telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. 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-31-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,
Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, FAA, 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 Glaser-Dirks Model
DG-500M gliders was published in the Federal Register as a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 27, 1998 (63 FR 20545). The NPRM
proposed to require inspecting the C.G. tow release cable pulley for
correct positioning, and replacing the C.G. tow release cable pulley
with one made of aluminum, part no. S 30, either immediately or
eventually depending on the results of the inspection. Accomplishment
of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance
with Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997.
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 C.G. tow release cable coming off the pulley would
only be an unsafe condition during flight and would only occur after
repeated glider operation, the FAA has no basis to determine the
approximate number of hours time-in-service (TIS) when the unsafe
condition is likely to occur. For example, the unsafe condition
referenced in this AD could occur on a glider with 10 hours TIS, but
not occur until 500 hours TIS on another glider. 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 gliders in a reasonable time period.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 5 gliders in the U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 workhours per
glider to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $20 per glider.
Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $700, or $140 per glider.
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:
98-15-20 Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-10671; Docket
No. 98-CE-31-AD.
Applicability: Model DG-500M gliders, all serial numbers,
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each glider 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 gliders 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 the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless
already accomplished.
To prevent the center of gravity (C.G.) tow release cable from
coming off the pulley because of incorrect positioning, which could
result in the pilot being unable to release from tow operations,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of
this AD, inspect the C.G. tow release cable pulley for correct
positioning in accordance with the Instructions section of Glaser-
Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997. If any tow
release pulley is found out-of-center during this inspection, prior
to further flight, replace the C.G. tow release cable pulley with
one made of aluminum, part no. S 30. Accomplish this replacement in
accordance with the technical note.
(b) Within the next 6 calendar months after the effective date
of this AD, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (a)
of this AD, replace the C.G. tow release cable pulley with one made
of aluminum, part no.
[[Page 39231]]
S 30. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with the
Instructions section of Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated
November 21, 1997.
(c) The replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be
accomplished at any time prior to the required time, including in
lieu of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
(d) 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 glider to a location where the
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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 Small Airplane Directorate.
(f) Questions or technical information related to Glaser-Dirks
Technical Note No. 843-9, dated November 21, 1997, should be
directed to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4,
Germany; telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. 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.
(g) The inspection and replacement required by this AD shall be
done in accordance with Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843-9, dated
November 21, 1997. 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 DG Flugzeugbau
GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, 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-
023, dated January 15, 1998.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on September 9, 1998.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 14, 1998.
Marvin R. Nuss,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19333 Filed 7-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
