2022-05-05: Flight 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: 2022-05-05 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-21956; Docket No. FAA-2021-1019; Project Identifier 2020-CE-006-AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 11, 2022. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2700, Flight 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 severe corrosion on the inboard flaperon actuation push rods and ball bearing connecting the flaperon push rod to the bell crank inside the wing. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent hard steering and increased play. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced control of the glider. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspections and Corrective Actions Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the pushrod, joint head, mount, and bell crank of the flaperon control of the wings for corrosion and other damage, in accordance with Action 1 in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020, and before further flight, repair or replace the affected part, as applicable, in accordance with Action 2 in Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 2020. (h) Credit for Previous Actions You may take credit for the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD if you performed those actions before the effective date of this AD using Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 2, dated February 24, 2020; or Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instructions for Technical Note No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 3, dated March 31, 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 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; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. (2) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0063, dated March 18, 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-2021-1019. (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (k)(3) and (4) of this AD. (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 No. 349-42/825-57, Revision 4, dated August 31, 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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will cite references to the service information in English as it appears on the document. (ii) [Reserved] (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 February 17, 2022. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-04650 Filed 3-4-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P