2023-03-14: 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: 2023-03-14 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-22339; Docket No. FAA-2022-1484; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-00897-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 5, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model Duo Discus and Duo Discus T gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (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 identifies the unsafe condition as blocking or jamming of the airbrake. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct such blockage or jamming of the airbrake system. 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) Required Actions (1) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the airbrake system for smooth operation, for sufficient airbrake panel overlap, and for proper cockpit control adjustment in accordance with Section I, and either II or III, depending on your glider configuration, of Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Maintenance Information SHK-M-01-22 for the Duo Discus and Duo Discus T airbrake system, dated January 26, 2022. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note 396-21, dated January 26, 2022; and Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note 890-17, dated January 26, 2022, contain information related to this subject. (2) If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, any part of the airbrake system is not properly adjusted, before further flight, adjust the airbrake system in accordance with a method approved by the FAA; the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Schempp-Hirth's Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in § 39.19. In accordance with § 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 (i)(2) of this AD or email to: 9-AVS-AIR-730-AMOC@faa.gov . If mailing information, also submit information by email. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to EASA AD 2022-0138, dated July 7, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1484. (2) 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 . (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in paragraphs (j)(3) and (4) of this AD. (j) 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 Maintenance Information SHK-M-01-22 for the Duo Discus and Duo Discus T airbrake system, dated January 26, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; email: info@schempp-hirth.com ; website: 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: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html . Issued on February 9, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-04049 Filed 2-28-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P