2023-17-05: 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: 2023-17-05 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-22531; Docket No. FAA-2023-1054; Project Identifier MCAI-2022-01513-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective October 12, 2023. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b 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 is prompted by reports of uncommanded extraction of the airbrakes on one or both wings, possibly resulting in reduced control of the glider. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this condition. 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 40 days after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), do the actions in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (ii) of this AD. (i) Inspect the airbrake bell cranks and airbrake drive funnels for cracking at the welding seams, in accordance with Action paragraphs (1a) and (1b) in Schempp-Hirth Technical Note 349-43, dated August 9, 2022 (Schempp-Hirth TN 349-43). (ii) Inspect the clearance of the airbrake control system, in accordance with Action paragraph (1c) in Schempp-Hirth TN 349-43; and Action paragraph (1.c) in Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction for Technical Note 349-43 dated August 9, 2022 (Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43). Where Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43 specifies "if in doubt" use plasticine lines, this AD requires using plasticine lines. Note 1 to paragraph (g)(1): This service information contains German to English translation. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) used the English translation in referencing the document from Schempp-Hirth. For enforceability purposes, the FAA will refer to the Schempp-Hirth service information in English as it appears on the document. (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, any cracking at the welding seams is detected, before next flight, do the applicable corrective actions in accordance with Action paragraph(s) (2a), (2b), (2c), and (2d), in Schempp-Hirth TN 349-43; and Action paragraph(s) (2.a), (2.b), (2.c), and (2.d), in Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43. Where Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43 specifies to purchase a new mounting plate with a reinforced airbrake bell crank installed from the manufacturer or its international representative, this AD does not specify the source from which new parts should be purchased. (3) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, it is determined that there is interference among the components of the airbrake control system and adjustments to the airbrake control system are needed, do those adjustments in accordance with a method approved by the FAA; EASA; or Schempp-Hirth's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (4) Unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the airbrake bell cranks with reinforced airbrake bell cranks and replace the airbrake drive funnels with reinforced drive funnels, in accordance with Action paragraph (2d) in Schempp-Hirth TN 349-43; and Action paragraph(s) (2.a), (2.b), (2.c), and (2.d), in Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43. Where Schempp-Hirth Working Instruction TN 349-43 specifies to purchase a new mounting plate with a reinforced airbrake bell crank installed from the manufacturer or its international representative, this AD does not specify the source from which new parts should be purchased. (5) Replacement on a glider of each airbrake bell crank and airbrake drive funnel with a reinforced airbrake bell crank and a reinforced airbrake drive funnel, as required by paragraph (g)(2) or paragraph (g)(4) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that glider. The initial inspection is required for all gliders. (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 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, 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 EASA AD 2022-0229, dated November 28, 2022, for related information. This EASA AD may be found in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2023-1054. (2) For more information about this AD, contact Jim Rutherford, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; 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 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 Technical Note 349-43, dated August 9, 2022. (ii) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Working Instruction for Technical Note 349-43, dated August 9, 2022. Note 1 to paragraph (j)(2): 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 refer to the Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH service information in English as it appears on the document. (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 August 17, 2023. Victor Wicklund, Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2023-19223 Filed 9-6-23; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P