Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG- 500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine and all Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine. The LBA reports that a damaged propeller was found on a Model DG-800B sailplane.
The foam core inside the propeller separated and caused one blade to be thicker than the other. The propeller became overheated after the engine was retracted. This was possibly due to limited ventilation. The LBA reports three occurrences of this condition.
The propeller on Model DG-500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine is of a similar design to Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? If not detected and corrected, damage to the propeller, specifically foam core separation, could cause the propeller to fail to perform properly. This failure could lead to reduced or loss of control of the sailplane.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG- 500MB sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine and Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-800B sailplanes equipped with a Solo engine. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 14, 2005 (70 FR 7443). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the propeller for damage, specifically foam core separation, and replace any damaged propeller.
Comments
Was the public invited to comment? We provided the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the proposal or on the determination of the cost to the public.Conclusion
What is FAA's final determination on this issue? We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.
Changes to 14 CFR Part 39--Effect on the AD
How does the revision to 14 CFR part 39 affect this AD? On July 10, 2002, the FAA published a new version of 14 CFR part 39 (67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the 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 does this AD impact? We estimate that this AD affects 31 sailplanes in the U.S. registry
What is the cost impact of this AD on owners/operators of the affected sailplanes? We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per sailplane
Total cost on U.S. operators
1 work hour $65 per hour = $65
Not applicable
$65
$65 31 = $2,015.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements that will be required based on the results of the inspection. We have no way of determining the number of sailplanes that may need this replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
Total cost per sailplane
1 work hour $65 per hour = $65
$4,000
$4,065.
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 onaviation 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
Will this AD impact various entities? We have 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 nationalgovernment and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
Will this AD involve a significant rule or regulatory action? For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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 under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a summary of the costs to comply with this AD (and other information as included in the Regulatory Evaluation) 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 "Docket No. FAA-2004-19959; Directorate Identifier 2004-CE-46-AD" in your request.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under 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. FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: