AD 2000-04-26

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. (Alexander Schleicher) Model ASW-27 sailplanes. This AD requires inspecting the elevator control circuit clearance inside the fuselage tail boom to the fin intersection to assure a clearance of at least 2.5 millimeters (mm) (1/10 inch wide), and adjusting any clearance that does not meet the criteria. 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 detect interference in the elevator control circuit, which, if not corrected, could result in the elevator control jamming with possible loss of control of the sailplane.

Final rule

2000-04-26 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER GMBH & CO. SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU: Amendment 39-11609; Docket No. 99-CE-70-AD.
Applicability: Model ASW-27 sailplanes, serial numbers 27002 through 27104, 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 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 as indicated in thebody of this AD, unless already accomplished. To detect interference in the elevator control circuit, which, if not corrected, could result in the elevator control jamming with possible loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator control circuit clearance inside the fuselage tail boom to the fin intersection to assure a clearance of at least 2.5 millimeters (mm) (1/10-inch wide). Prior to further flight, adjust any clearance that does not meet the criteria. Accomplish these actions in accordance with the Action section of Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 5, dated July 16, 1999.

(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 times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, 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 Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 5, dated July 16, 1999, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, D-36163 Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: ++ 49.6658.89-0; facsimile: ++ 49.6658.89-40. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(e)The inspection and modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 5, dated July 16, 1999. 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 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, D-36163 Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, 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 1999-283, Effective Date: September 9, 1999.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on April 25, 2000

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 certain Alexander Schleicher Model ASW-27 sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 28, 1999 (64 FR 72584). The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the elevator control circuit clearance inside the fuselage tail boom to the fin intersection to assure a clearance of at least 2.5 mm (1/10-inch wide), and adjusting any clearance that does not meet the criteria. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be required in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 5, dated July 16, 1999.

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 makingof 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.

Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 30 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by the inspection, that it will take approximately 1 workhour per sailplane to accomplish the inspection, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,800, or $60 per sailplane

The FAA estimates that it will take approximately 2 workhours per sailplane to accomplish the adjustment, if necessary, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the adjustment on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,600, or $120 per sailplane.

Compliance Time of This AD
The compliance time of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). When proper clearance is not provided inside the fuselage tail boom to the fin intersection, the 90-degree lever of the elevator controls rubs against the cut-out of the lower fin rib. Although the consequential jamming of the elevator controls is a result of sailplane operation, improper clearance will be prevalent at the time of manufacture. Sailplane operation varies among operators. For example, one operator may utilize the sailplane 50 hours TIS in 3 months while it may take another 12 months or more to accumulate 50 hours TIS. In order to assure that improper clearance is detected and corrected in a timely manner, the compliance time is required "within the next 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD."

Regulatory Impact
These regulations 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. Therefore, the FAA has determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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.

39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: