AD 2014-06-07 Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Gliders

This AD applies to Alexander Schleicher, Segelflugzeugbau Model ASK 21 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that have incorporated: (1) Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980; or (2) Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004.

Unless already done, do the following actions as specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(3) of this AD: (1) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note No. 4, dated November 14, 1980: Within 30 days after May 8, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), insert the amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA and install a cockpit placard following paragraph B) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013. (2) For gliders modified following Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note 4a, dated November 25, 2004: Within 30 days after May 8, 2014 (the effective date of this AD), insert the amended pages into the glider's AFM and the ICA following paragraph C) of the Action section in Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau ASK 21 Technical Note Nr. 4b, Issue for US registered gliders, dated October 31, 2013. (3) For all affected gliders: An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may insert the amended pages into the AFM and ICA of the glider required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD and must enter the action into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD following 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov . Before using any approved AMOC on any aircraft to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

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 inadequate guidance for spin training operations. We are issuing this proposed AD to ensure the placard installed in the aircraft cockpit, the aircraft flight manual (AFM), and the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) all have adequate guidance for spin training operations.

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