2023-05-03: Wing, Rib/Bulkhead

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: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive AD 2022-14-14, Amendment 39-22119 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022); and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2023-05-03 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau: Amendment 39-22372; Docket No. FAA-2022-1303; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01001-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 18, 2023. (b) Affected ADs This AD replaces AD 2022-14-14, Amendment 39-22119 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022) (AD 2022-14-14). (c) Applicability This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, equipped with wooden wing root ribs. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5712, Wing, Rib/Bulkhead. (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 wing root rib damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged root ribs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing assembly, which could lead to loss of control of the glider. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions (1) For Model ASW-15 gliders: Within 30 days after August 25, 2022 (effective date of AD 2022-14-14), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect all wing root ribs (4 places) for cracks, looseness, and damage, in accordance with the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021. If there is a crack in any root rib, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage, before further flight, replace the root rib in accordance with Action paragraph (B) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, dated June 28, 2021, and steps 1 through 7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021; or Action paragraph (C) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022, and steps 1 through 7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021. (2) For Model ASW-15B gliders: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect all wing root ribs (4 places) for cracks, looseness, and damage, in accordance with the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021. If there is a crack in any root rib, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage, before further flight, replace the root rib in accordance with Action paragraph (C) in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022, and steps 1 through 7 in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021. (3) For Model ASW-15 and ASW-15B gliders: Replacing all four wing root ribs with new ribs is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD. (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, mail it to the address 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. 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. (i) Additional Information (1) Refer to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2022-0146, dated July 11, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2022-1303. (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 . (j) 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. (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on April 18, 2023. (i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, Issue II, dated May 4, 2022. (ii) [Reserved] (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on August 25, 2022 (87 FR 43403, July 21, 2022). (i) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Maintenance Instruction G, Issue 1, dated June 28, 2021. (ii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Repair instruction exchange of wing root ribs according to TN 29, dated June 28, 2021. (iii) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASW 15 Technical Note 29, dated June 28, 2021. (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau, Alexander-Schleicher-Str. 1, Poppenhausen, Germany D-36163; phone: +49 (0) 06658 89-0; email: info@alexander-schleicher.de; website: alexander-schleicher.de . (6) 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. (7) 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 March 5, 2023. Christina Underwood, Acting Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-05082 Filed 3-13-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P