AD 97-15-07 Airworthiness Directives; Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda. Model AMT-200 Powered Sailplanes

Model AMT-200 powered sailplanes, serial numbers 200.057, 200.058, 200.059, 200.063, 200.065, 200.066, 200.071, and 200.072, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each powered 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 powered 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 (e) 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 after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, except to those operators receiving this action by priority letter issued July 11, 1997, which made these actions effective immediately upon receipt. To prevent failure of the forward horizontal stabilizer bolt, which could result in separation of the horizontal stabilizer from the powered sailplane and consequent loss of control, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, inspect, using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, the forward horizontal stabilizer front bolt, part number (P/N) 53451, for defects (scratches, damaged threads, or surface cracks, etc.). If any defects are found, prior to further flight, replace the bolt with a new one of the same part number. Accomplish the inspection and replacement in accordance with the instructions in Aeromot Industria Ltda Service Bulletin S.B. No. 100-53-042, Issue Date: June 6, 1997; Revision Date: REV.1, July 3, 1997. (b) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the forward horizontal stabilizer front bolt, P/N 53451, with a new one of the same part number. Accomplish the replacement in accordance with the instructions in Aeromot Industria Ltda Service Bulletin S.B. No. 100-53-042, Issue Date: June 6, 1997; Revision Date: REV.1, July 3, 1997. (c) The replacement required by this AD may be accomplished prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD in place of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (d) 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 flight proficiency requirements for pilots, including the assembly and disassembly of gliders and sailplanes. Therefore, the bolt replacement required by this AD may be performed by the powered 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 43.11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.11). (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), Campus Building, 1701 Columbia Avenue, suite 2-160, College Park, Georgia 30337-2748. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. (f) The inspection and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance Aeromot Industria Ltda Service Bulletin S.B. No. 100-53-042, Issue Date: June 6, 1997; Revision Date: REV.1, July 3, 1997. 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 Grupo Aeromot, Aeromot- Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda., Av. das [[Page 42047]] Industries-1210, Bairro Anchieta, Caixa Postal 8031, 90200-Porto Alegre-RS, Brazil. 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. (g) This amendment (39-10098) becomes effective on August 15, 1997, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by priority letter AD 97-15-07, issued July 11, 1997, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 21, 1997. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-20316 Filed 8-4-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U