2021-26-25: Drag Control System

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2021-26-25 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-21884; Docket No. FAA-2021-0878; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-01460-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 24, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH gliders identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, certificated in any category. (1) Model Duo Discus gliders, serial number (S/N) 1 through 541 inclusive, except S/N 534. (2) Model Duo Discus T gliders, S/N 1 through 174 inclusive. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2760, Drag Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as jerky extension of the air brakes at very high air speeds, including cases where the air brake blades interlock. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent and correct damage of the airbrake end-stops. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in blockage of the air brakes and reduced control of the glider. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For gliders with air brake end stop plastic bushings (22 mm) installed: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, replace each air brake end stop plastic bushing (22 mm) with an air brake end stop plastic bushing (32 mm) in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note 890-16 rev1 and Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 1, dated September 18, 2020. (2) For gliders with single air brake metal end stops installed: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect each single air brake metal end stop for overlap in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 2, dated September 18, 2020. If there is insufficient overlap, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the FAA or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). (h) Parts Installation Provision As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an air brake end stop plastic bushing (22 mm) on any glider. (i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. (j) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety Engineer, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, MO 64106; phone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. (2) Refer to EASA 2020-0233, dated October 27, 2020, for more information. You may examine the EASA AD in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0878. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of the service information listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (i) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 2, dated September 18, 2020. Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): The service information listed in paragraphs (k)(2)(i) of this AD contains German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in referencing the document from Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the service information in English as it appears on the document (ii) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note 890-16 rev1 and Technical Note 396-20 rev1 action 1, dated September 18, 2020. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, 73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; fax: +49 7021 7298-199; email: info@schempp-hirth.com; website: https://www.schempp-hirth.com. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on December 16, 2021. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-00973 Filed 1-19-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P