AD 98-12-03

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-19 and ASK 21 sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on March 17, 1998 (63 FR 13013). The NPRM proposed to require modifying the sailplanes rudder panel by stiffening the rudder panel, reinforcing the rear canopy hinge, and replacing the airbrake bellcrank. Accomplishment of the proposed actions as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Alexander Schleicher ASW 19 Technical Note 2, dated September 6, 1976, and Alexander Schleicher ASK 21 Technical Note 20, dated October 16, 1987.

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 compliance time of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS) because of the typical usage of the affected gliders. For example, an operator of an affected glider may only utilize the glider 50 hours TIS in a year, while another operator may utilize an affected glider 50 hours TIS in one month. The FAA has determined that a compliance based on calendar time should be utilized in this AD in order to assure that the unsafe condition is addressed on all gliders in a reasonable time period.

Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 5 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by the rudder panel portion of this AD, that it will take approximately 10 workhours per sailplane to accomplish the rudder panel portion of this AD, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $50 per sailplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the rudder panel portion of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $3,250, or $650 per sailplane.

The FAA estimates that 30 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by the airbrake bellcrank portion of this AD, that it will take approximately 6 workhours per sailplane to accomplish the rudder panel portion of this AD, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $200 per sailplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the airbrake bellcrank portion of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,800, or $560 per sailplane.

The FAA estimates that 30 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by the rear canopy hinge portion of this AD, that it will take approximately 11 workhours per sailplane to accomplish the rear canopy hinge portion of this AD, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $15 per sailplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the rear canopy hinge portion proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $20,250, or $675 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: