AD 2015-22-04 Airworthiness Directives; Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Gliders

This AD applies to Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG Models G103 TWIN ASTIR, G103 TWIN II, and G103A TWIN II ACRO gliders, all manufacturer serial numbers, certificated in any category.

Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within 30 days after December 4, 2015 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the locking forces of the air brake control unit, and, if any discrepancy is found, before further flight, correct the locking forces. Do the inspection and correction of any discrepancy following the instructions of Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Service Bulletin (SB-G08), Edition April 24, 2015; and Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung (English translation: Instructions), (A/I-G08), Ausgabe (English translation: Edition) April 24, 2015. Note 1 to paragraph (f)(1) of this AD: This service information contains German to English translation. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) used the English translation in referencing the document. For enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner service information as it appears on the document. (2) Within 60 days after December 4, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the bell-crank installed in the air brake control system, and, if any cracks are found, before further flight, replace the bell-crank with a serviceable part. Do the inspection and replacement following the instructions of Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Service Bulletin (SB-G08), Edition April 24, 2015; and Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Anweisung (English translation: Instructions), (A/I-G08), Ausgabe (English translation: Edition) April 24, 2015. Note 2 to paragraph (f)(2) of this AD: In the lower wing surface inspection, openings near the bell-crank may be installed to simplify the inspection and make a possible replacement of the bell-crank possible. This optional installation is described in GROB Luft Und Raumfahrt Service Bulletin 315-45/2, dated December 21, 1995; and Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner Service Bulletin (SB-G07), Edition April 24, 2015. (3) Within 30 days after replacing a bell-crank as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD or within the next 30 days after December 4, 2015 (the effective date of this AD), whichever occurs later, report the inspection results of the removed bell-crank to Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG. You may find contact information for Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner GmbH & Co. KG in paragraph (h) of this AD.

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 glider 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. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 a broken bell-crank installed in the air brake control system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a broken bell-crank which could lead to failure of the air brake system, possibly resulting in reduced control.

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