AD 97-08-02 Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth K.G. Models Nimbus-2B, Mini-Nimbus B, Discus a, and Discus b Sailplanes

The following sailplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Models Serial numbers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nimbus-2B................................. All serial numbers. Mini-Nimbus B............................. All serial numbers. Discus a and Discus b..................... Serial numbers 1 to 446. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane 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 sailplanes 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 (f) 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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent corrosion in the elevator caused by water entering the elevator control rod, which could result in elevator failure and consequent loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after May 30, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-08-02), accomplish a load test of the elevator control system in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 278-33, 286-28, 295-22, 328-10, 349-16, 360-9, 373-5, dated November 19, 1992, and the Appendix to this technical note. Note 2: Sections 61.107(d)(1) and 61.127(d)(1) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 61.107(d)(1) and 14 CFR 61.127(d)(1)) give the authorization for glider/sailplane operators to disassemble and reassemble the elevator control system (for storage purposes between flights). The ``prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD'' compliance time in paragraph (a) of this AD was established to coincide with the next reassembly of the elevator control system. (b) If any discrepancies are found during the load test required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the elevator vertical actuating tube in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 278-33, 286-28, 295-22, 328-10, 349-16, 360-9, 373-5, dated November 19, 1992, and the Appendix to this technical note. (c) Within the next 6 calendar months after May 30, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-08-02) or prior to further flight after May 30, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-08-02), whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished (performing the actions in paragraph (b) of this AD), replace the elevator vertical actuating tube in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 278-33, 286-28, 295-22, 328-10, 349-16, 360-9, 373-5, dated November 19, 1992, and the Appendix to this technical note. (d) The elevator control system load test as required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be performed by the sailplane owner/ operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (e) 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 sailplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (g) The load test and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 278-33, 286-28, 295-22, 328-10, 349-16, 360-9, 373-5, dated November 19, 1992, and the Appendix to this technical note. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 30, 1997 (62 FR 16667, April 8, 1997). Copies may be obtained from Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, Postfach 1443, D-73230 Kircheim/Teck, Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 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. (h) This amendment becomes effective on April 17, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 25, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-8582 Filed 4-6-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U