[Federal Register: March 23, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 55)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 14580-14585]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr23mr05-31]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH
& CO KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III
ACRO Sailplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to revise Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-
19-14 R1, which applies to certain BURKHART GROB LUFT--UND RAUMFAHRT
GmbH & CO KG (GROB) Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and
G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. AD 2003-19-14 R1 requires you to modify
the airspeed indicators, install flight speed reduction and aerobatic
maneuver restrictions placards (as applicable), and revise the flight
and maintenance manuals. AD 2003-19-14 R1 approves simple aerobatic
maneuvers for Model G103A TWIN II ACRO sailplanes and provides an
option for modifying the rear fuselage for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO
and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes to terminate the flight limitation
restrictions for aerobatic maneuvers. This proposed AD retains all the
actions from AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models G103A TWIN II ACRO and G103C
TWIN III ACRO and would reinstate certain operating limits for Model
G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes. We are issuing this proposed AD to prevent
damage to the fuselage during limit load flight, which could result in
reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss of
control of the sailplane.
DATES: We must receive any comments on this proposed AD by April 20,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following to submit comments on this proposed
AD:
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
[[Page 14581]]
Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
To get the service information identified in this proposed AD,
contact GROB Luft--und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139;
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-
aerospace.de.
To view the comments to this proposed AD, go to http://dms.dot.gov.
The docket number is FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-
4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
How do I comment on this proposed AD? We invite you to submit any
written relevant data, views, or arguments regarding this proposal.
Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include the
docket number, ``FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD''
at the beginning of your comments. We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed
rulemaking. Using the search function of our docket web site, anyone
can find and read the comments received into any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).
This is docket number FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-
35-AD. You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Are there any specific portions of this proposed AD I should pay
attention to? We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this
proposed AD. If you contact us through a nonwritten communication and
that contact relates to a substantive part of this proposed AD, we will
summarize the contact and place the summary in the docket. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposed AD in light of those comments and contacts.
Docket Information
Where can I go to view the docket information? You may view the AD
docket that contains the proposal, any comments received, and any final
disposition in person at the DMS Docket Offices between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. (eastern standard time), Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Office (telephone 1-800-647-5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Department of Transportation NASSIF Building at
the street address stated in ADDRESSES. You may also view the AD docket
on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. The comments will be available
in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
Has FAA taken any action to this point? Reports from the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, that
the safety margins established into the design of the fuselage may not
be sufficient to sustain limit loads during certain maneuvers and
during flight at certain speeds for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN
II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes. This caused
us to issue AD 2003-19-14, Amendment 39-13317 (68 FR 56152, September
30, 2003). AD 2003-19-14 required the following:
--Modifying the airspeed indicators;
--Installing placards restricting flight speeds, prohibiting aerobatic
maneuvers, and restricting load limits; and
--Incorporating revisions to the flight and maintenance manuals.
AD 2003-19-14 was issued as an interim action until the
manufacturer completed further investigations into the effects of
certain flight conditions on the fuselage structure and the development
of corrective procedures.
The manufacturer conducted further investigations and static
strength tests to verify the safety margins of the fuselage on the
affected sailplanes. This information prompted us to issue AD 2003-19-
14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004). AD 2003-19-14
R1 requires the following:
For Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes:
--Retain all flight limitation restrictions in AD 2003-19-14.
For Model G103 TWIN II sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations and remove from the applicability section of AD 2003-19-14;
For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility category) sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations and maneuver
operations; and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
For Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes:
--Reinstate the original flight speed limitations except for rough air
(VB) and maneuvering speeds (VA); and
--Allow only basic aerobatic maneuvers (spins, lazy eights, chandelles,
stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops).
For Model G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes:
--Increase airspeed limits specified in AD 2003-19-14 but maintain a
reduction from the original limitations; and
--Retain restrictions in AD 2003-19-14 on all aerobatic flights,
including simple maneuvers, and cloud flying.
The manufacturer also developed a modification for Models G103A
TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes
(aerobatic category). When this modification is incorporated, full
acrobatic status is restored to these sailplanes.
What has happened since AD 2003-19-14 R1 to initiate this proposed
action? The LBA recently notified FAA of the need to change AD 2003-19-
14 R1. Based on analysis, the LBA reports that certain limits of
operation for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes may be reinstated.
Specifically, the maximum airspeed in calm air (VNE)
could be reinstated to 135 knots (155 mph/250 kmh) for Model G103 TWIN
ASTIR sailplanes. Aerobatic flight is still prohibited; however, simple
aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles)
may be performed following the flight manual.
Is there service information that applies to this subject? GROB
Luft--und Raumfahrt has issued Service Bulletin MSB 315-64/3, dated
September 14, 2004.
What are the provisions of this service information? The service
bulletin includes procedures for:
--Applying a red mark on the front and rear cockpit air speed indicator
at 135 knots (155 mph/205 kmh);
--Replacing the front and rear cockpit limitations placard with one
that
[[Page 14582]]
contains the new flight speed operating limitations;
--Prohibiting aerobatic flight, except for simple aerobatic flight
(looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles) may be performed
following the flight manual; and
--Revising the flight and maintenance manuals.
What action did the LBA take? The LBA classified this service
bulletin as mandatory and issued German AD Number D-2003-231R3, dated
November 9, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
sailplanes in Germany.
Did the LBA inform the United States under the bilateral
airworthiness agreement? These GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN
II ACRO, and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes are manufactured in Germany
and are type-certificated for operation in the United States under the
provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Under this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept us
informed of the situation described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
What has FAA decided? We have examined the LBA's findings, reviewed
all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary
for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in
the United States.
Since the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other GROB Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103A TWIN II ACRO,
and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes of the same type design that are
registered in the United States, we are proposing AD action to prevent
damage to the fuselage during limit load flight, which could result in
reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss of
control of the sailplane.
What would this proposed AD require? This proposed AD would revise
AD 2003-19-14 R1 with a new AD that would:
(1) retain the actions required in AD 2003-19-14 R1 for Models
G103A
TWIN II ACRO and G103C TWIN III ACRO sailplanes; and
(2) reinstate certain operating limits by incorporating the actions
in the previously-referenced service bulletin for Model G103 TWIN ASTIR
sailplanes.
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this proposed AD? On
July 10, 2002, we published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR
47997, July 22, 2002), which governs FAA's AD system. This regulation
now includes material that relates to altered products, special flight
permits, and alternative methods of compliance. This material
previously was included in each individual AD. Since this material is
included in 14 CFR part 39, we will not include it in future AD
actions.
Costs of Compliance
How many sailplanes would this proposed AD impact? We estimate that
this proposed AD affects 94 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.
What would be the cost impact of this proposed AD on owners/
operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs
to accomplish the proposed modifications to the airspeed indicators,
flight limitations placards, and revising the flight and maintenance
manuals:
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Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane Total cost on U.S. operators
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1 work hour x $65 = $65............. Not applicable......... $65 $65 x 94 = $6,110
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For G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes and G103C
TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes, we estimate the
following costs to accomplish the proposed fuselage modification:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost sailplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
30 work hours x $65 = $1,950........ $5,307 $7,257
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What is the difference between the cost impact of this proposed AD
and the cost impact of AD 2003-19-14 R1? There is no cost difference
between this proposed AD and AD 2003-19-14 R1. This proposed AD is only
revising certain operating limits for certain Model G103 TWIN ASTIR.
This proposed AD does not require any additional actions than are
currently required in AD 2003-19-14 R1.
Authority for This Rulemaking
What authority does FAA have for issuing this rulemaking action?
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 AD.
Regulatory Findings
Would this proposed AD impact various entities? We have 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.
Would this proposed AD involve a significant rule or regulatory
action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
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); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities
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under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this proposed AD
and placed it in the AD Docket. You may get a copy of this summary by
sending a request to us at the address listed under ADDRESSES. Include
``AD Docket FAA-2005-20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD'' in
your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by removing Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676 (69 FR 34258, June 21, 2004),
and by adding a new AD to read as follows:
Burkhart Grob Luft--Und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co KG: Docket No. FAA-2005-
20441; Directorate Identifier 2003-CE-35-AD; Revises AD 2003-19-14
R1, Amendment 39-13676.
When Is the Last Date I Can Submit Comments on This Proposed AD?
(a) We must receive comments on this proposed airworthiness
directive (AD) by April 20, 2005.
What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action?
(b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14 R1, Amendment 39-13676.
What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD?
(c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial
numbers that are certificated in any category:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model Serial Nos.
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G103 TWIN ASTIR........................... All serial numbers.
G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)... 3544 through 34078 with
suffix ``K''.
G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category).. 34101 through 34203.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD?
(d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for
Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent
damage to the fuselage during limit load flight, which could result
in reduced structural integrity. This condition could lead to loss
of control of the sailplane.
What Must I Do To Address This Problem?
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
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Actions Compliance Procedures
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(1) For G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes, serial numbers 3000 through 3290: Within the next 25 Following GROB Service
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; hours time-in-service Bulletin No. MSB315-
(ii) Install the following placard: (TIS) after the 64/3, dated September
effective date of 14, 2004.
this AD, unless
already done.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23MR05.166
(iii) You may perform simple aerobatic flight (looping, steep turns, lazy eights, and chandelles)
following the flight manual; and
(iv) Revise the flight and maintenance manuals.
(2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) sailplanes: Within the next 25 hours Follow Grob Service
(i) Re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; and time-in-service (TIS) Bulletin No. MSB315-
(ii) Install the following placards on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: after August 12, 2004 65, dated September
(the effective date AD 15, 2003.
2003-19-14 R1), unless
already done.
[[Page 14584]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23MR05.167
(iii) Install the following placards on Model G103C TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)
sailplanes:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23MR05.168
(3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) sailplanes: At any time after August Follow Grob Service
as an alternative to the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you may install additional 12, 2004 (the effective Bulletin No. OSB
stringers in the rear fuselage section. Installing additional stringers terminates the flight date AD 2003-19-14 R1). 315-66, dated
restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. October 16, 2003,
and Work
Instruction for OSB
315-66, dated
October 16, 2003.
(4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) sailplanes: Prior to further flight Allow Grob Service
only if you installed the additional stringers specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, do the after doing the actions Bulletin No. OSB
following: in paragraph (e)(3) of 315-66, dated
(i) Remove the placard prohibiting all aerobatic maneuvers; this AD. October 16, 2003
(ii) Install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)
sailplanes:
[[Page 14585]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23MR05.169
(iii) Install the following placards on Model G103C TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category)
sailplanes:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23MR05.170
Note: The placard information in this AD is different than the
information in the applicable service bulletins. This AD takes
precedence over the service bulletins. You should update your
placards to reflect the information presented in this AD.
May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of compliance or a
different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in
14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to
your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments
and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small
Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved
alternative methods of compliance, contact Gregory A. Davison,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust,
Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130;
facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject?
(g) German AD D-2003-231R3, dated November 9, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD?
(h) To get copies of the documents referenced in this AD,
contact GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874
Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139;
facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: productsupport@grob-
aerospace.de. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management
Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
S.W., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC, or on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov. This is docket number FAA-2005-
20441; Directorate ID 2003-CE-35-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 15, 2005.
David R. Showers,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-5693 Filed 3-22-05; 8:45 am]
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