AD 96-13-01 Airworthiness Directives; MDB Flugtechnik AG Model MD3-160 Airplanes

Models named: MD3-160. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model MD3-160 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (h) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter, as indicated in this AD. To prevent the rudder pedals from locking up and the nosewheel steering (NWS) from disengaging, which if not detected and corrected, could cause loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Insert Temporary Flight Manual Supplement No. TEMP AFM-001, dated April 1995, into the MD3-160 Swiss Trainer Airplane Flight Manual in accordance with the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section, paragraph B(1) in Flugtechnik Service Bulletin (SB) No. MD-SB-27- 001, Original Issue May 1995. (b) Fabricate and install a placard, in an area visible to the pilot (using letters no smaller than \1/8\-inch in height) with the following language on the airplane instrument panel: ``AEROBATICS AND SPINNING IN AEROBATIC AND UTILITY CATEGORY IS PROHIBITED'' (c) Inspect the shimmy damper for a bent piston rod and proper operation in accordance the ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS section, paragraphs D (1) and (2) of Flugtechnik SB MD-SB-27-001, Original Issue May 1995. If the piston rod is bent, prior to further flight, replace the piston rod in accordance with the applicable portion of the airplane maintenance manual. (d) Inspect the NWS engage/disengage mechanism and rudder for proper rotation position and excessive rotational play in accordance with paragraphs E (1), (2), and (3) of the service bulletin referenced in paragraph (c) of this AD. If the rotation is not correct or excessive play is evident, prior to further flight, re- adjust the rigging for the rudder/nosewheel steering mechanism in accordance with the applicable portion of the airplane maintenance manual. (e) Inspect the nosewheel steering for excessive play in the damping mechanism in accordance with paragraphs F (1) through (5) in the service bulletin referenced in paragraph (c) of this AD. If any play exists, prior to further flight, replace the damping pieces and the console covers in accordance with the applicable portion of the airplane maintenance manual. (f) After the initial inspections, repetitively inspect, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, in accordance with paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this AD. (g) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (h) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, c/o American Embassy, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office. [[Page 30803]] Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Brussels Aircraft Certification Office. (i) The inspections and replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with MDB Flugtechnik AG Service Bulletin No. MD-SB-27-001, Original Issue May 1995. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from MDB Flugtechnik AG, Flugplatz, CH-3368 Bleienbach, Switzerland. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (j) This amendment (39-9669) becomes effective on July 12, 1996. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 11, 1996. Henry A. Armstrong, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 96-15249 Filed 6-17-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P