2022-03-08: Elevator 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: 2022-03-08 Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (Type Certificate Previously Held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG): Amendment 39-21925; Docket No. FAA-2021-0944; Project Identifier MCAI-2020-00800-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective March 17, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the following gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category: (1) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG, GROB TFE, GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (a division of Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau)) Model G102 ASTIR CS. (2) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG (type certificate previously held by GROB Aircraft AG, Grob Aerospace GmbH i.l., Grob Aerospace GmbH, Burkhart Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt GmbH & Co. KG) Model G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103 C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2730, Elevator Control System. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as corrosion on the elevator control pushrod. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in failure of the elevator control pushrod and loss of control of the glider. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) Within 25 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin for water and corrosion and replace the elevator control pushrod before further flight if there is any water or corrosion in accordance with the Actions and Instructions, paragraph 3, of Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. (2) If no water and no corrosion is detected, before further flight, treat the inside of the elevator control pushrod with corrosion preventative LPS 3 or equivalent. (3) If required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, you must replace the elevator control pushrod before further flight with an elevator control pushrod that has zero hours TIS or with an elevator control pushrod that has passed the inspection in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD. (h) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD if you performed these actions before the effective date of this AD using Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-G09), dated April 8, 2020. (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 certification office, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD and email to: [email protected]. (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; email: [email protected]. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0138, dated June 19, 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-2021-0944. (k) Material Incorporated by Reference (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference (IBR) 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) Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung/Instructions (A/I-G09), Revision 1, dated May 14, 2020. Note 1 to paragraph (k)(2)(i): This service information contains German to English translation. EASA used the English translation in referencing the document from Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite the service information in English as it appears on the document. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG, Steige 3, D-88487 Walpertshofen, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 7353 22 43; email: [email protected]; website: https://www.ltb-lindner.com. (4) You may view this service information at 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: [email protected], or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued on January 20, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-02717 Filed 2-9-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P