AD 2020-19-12 Airworthiness Directives; Glasflugel

This AD applies to Glasflugel Models Club Libelle 205, H 301 “Libelle,” H 301B “Libelle,” Kestrel, Mosquito, Standard “Libelle,” and Standard Libelle-201B gliders, certificated in any category, with a center of gravity (C.G.) tow release installed.

Unless already done, do the following actions in paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this AD. (1) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-21-04) and then within 30 days after the effective date of this AD or 12 months after the initial inspection, whichever occurs later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the distance between the deflector-angles by following paragraph 1 in the Actions section of Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, dated June 25, 2018. (2) If the distance is less than 36 mm during any inspection required in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before the next winch launch, do the corrective action in paragraph 2 in the Actions section of Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH Technical Note No. 5-2018, dated June 25, 2018. (3) Before the next winch launch after November 13, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2018-21-04), revise the flying operations section of the sailplane flight manual by inserting the text in paragraph (f)(3)(i) of this AD into the winch tow section. (i) Winch launching is permissible only with a connecting ring pair that conforms to aeronautical standard LN 65091. (ii) This action may be done by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD by following 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (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 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. Send information to Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, General Aviation & Rotorcraft, International Validation Branch, 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 airplane 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.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as jamming between the double two-ring end of the towing cable and the deflector angles of the C.G. release mechanism. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the towing cable to disconnect, which could result in reduced or loss of control of the glider or the cable breaking and causing injury to people on the ground.

This AD replaces AD 2018-21-04, Amendment 39-19462 (83 FR 53573, October 24, 2018) (“AD 2018-21-04”).