AD 98-06-38

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher) Model ASK-21 sailplanes that do not have a certain automatic elevator connection installed. This AD requires drilling a drainage hole in the elevator pushrod, inspecting the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage, and replacing any elevator pushrod if a certain amount of corrosion damage is found. 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 failure of the elevator pushrod caused by corrosion damage, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane.

Final rule

98-06-38 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU: Amendment 39-10417; Docket No. 97-CE-109-AD.

Applicability: Model ASK-21 sailplanes, serial numbers 21 001 through 21 205, certificated in any category, that do not have an automatic elevator connection installed in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 11, dated December 20, 1983.

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 (d) 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 failure of the elevator pushrod caused by corrosion damage, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, drill a drainage hole in the elevator pushrod in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993.

(b) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993.

(1) If no corrosion damage is found or corrosion damage is found that does not exceed the amount specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, apply a corrosion agent as described in the service bulletin.

(2) If corrosion damage is found that exceeds the amount specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, replace the elevator pushrod in accordance with the maintenance manual, and apply a corrosion agent as described in the service bulletin.

(c) 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.

(d) 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 the Small Airplane Directorate.

(e) Questions or technical information related to Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. 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.

(f) The inspection, drilling, and application required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993. 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 fromAlexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, 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 No. 93-186, dated September 15, 1993.

(g) This amendment (39-10417) becomes effective on April 28, 1998.

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 ASK-21 sailplanes that do not have a certain automatic elevator connection installed was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on December 19, 1997 (62 FR 66567). The NPRM proposed to require drilling a drainage hole in the elevator pushrod, inspecting the elevator pushrod for corrosion damage, and replacing any elevator pushrod if a certain amount of corrosion damage is found. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 26, dated July 1, 1993. 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
The unsafe condition specified by this AD is caused by corrosion. Corrosion can occur regardless of whether the sailplane is in operation or is in storage. Therefore, to assure that the unsafe condition specified in this AD does not go undetected for a long period of time, the compliance time is presented in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS).

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

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