Discussion
What events have caused this AD? The Civil Aviation Office (CAO), which is the airworthiness authority for Poland, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all PZL-Bielsko Model SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" sailplanes. The CAO reports several instances of the airbrake torque tube breaking and separating from the fuselage during flight, which makes it impossible to retract the airbrake.
An investigation revealed damage at the welded joint between the airbrake torque tube and the fuselage. The damage was caused by material fatigue due to frequent striking load that exceeds the recommended allowances and/or corrosion.
What is the potential impact if FAA took no action? This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the airbrake system to fail. Failure of the airbrake system could result in loss of control of the sailplane.
Has FAA taken any action to this point? We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of theFederal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all PZL-Bielsko Model SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on April 9, 2004 (69 FR 18845). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the airbrake torque tube for cracks, distortion, and corrosion (damage) and replace or repair any damaged airbrake torque tube.
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 8 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
5 workhours x $65 per hour = $325
Not applicable
$325
$2,600
We estimate the following costs to accomplish 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
5 workhours x $65 per hour = $325
$294
$325 + $294 = $619
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 national government 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 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 No. 2003-CE-66-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. Theauthority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. FAA amends 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows: