Discussion \n\n\n\tThe European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD No. 2018-0143-E, dated July 6, 2018 (referred to after this as ''the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: \n\n\n\tJamming between the double two ring end of the towing cable and the deflector angles of the C.G. release mechanism was reported. Subsequent investigation identified incorrect geometry of the deflector angles of the affected part as likely cause of the jamming. \n\tThis condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure to disconnect the towing cable, possibly resulting in reduced or loss of control of the sailplane. \n\tTo address this potential unsafe condition, Glasfaser Flugzeug- Service GmbH issued the TN (Technical Note) to provide inspection instructions and corrective action. \n\tFor the reasons described above, this (EASA) AD requires repetitive inspections of the affected part, and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s). This (EASA) AD also requires amendment of the sailplane Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM). \n\nYou may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0891. \n\nRecord of Ex Parte Communication \n\n\n\tIn preparation of AD actions, such as notices of proposed rulemaking and immediately adopted final rules, the FAA obtains technical data and information on the operational and economic impact from design approval holders and aircraft operators. We discussed certain aspects of this AD by email with Glasfaser Flugzeug-Service GmbH. You may find a copy of each email contact in the rulemaking docket. For information on locating the docket, see ''Examining the AD Docket.'' \n\nRelated Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 \n\n\n\tWe reviewed Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5- 2018, dated June 25, 2018. The service information describes procedures for measuring the distance between the deflector-angles at the C.G. release and modifying the deflector-angles if necessary. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. \n\nFAA's Determination and Requirements of the AD \n\n\n\tThis product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. \n\n((Page 53574)) \n\nFAA's Determination of the Effective Date \n\n\n\tAn unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because injury could occur to people on the ground if the towing cable breaks during a wench launch. As such, operators must take corrective action before the next launch of the glider. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days. \n\nComments Invited \n\n\n\tThis AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ''Docket No. FAA-2018-0891; Product Identifier 2018-CE-038-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of those comments. \n\tWe will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this AD. \n\nCosts of Compliance \n\n\n\tWe estimate that this AD will affect 177 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to comply with the inspection requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. \n\tBased on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be $15,045, or $85 per product. \n\tWe estimate that any modification of the deflector-angles that may be necessary as a result of the inspection would take about 4 work- hours and require parts costing $100, for a cost of $440 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. \n\nAuthority for This Rulemaking \n\n\n\tTitle 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. \n\tWe 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 rulemaking action. \n\tThis AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable to small airplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, domestic business jet transport airplanes, and associated appliances to the Director of the Policy and Innovation Division. \n\nRegulatory Findings \n\n\n\tWe determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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. \n\tFor the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: \n\t(1) Is not a ''significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866, \n\t(2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), \n\t(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and \n\t(4) 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. \n\nList of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 \n\n\n\tAir transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.