AD 97-24-10 Airworthiness Directives; Burkhardt Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, GmbH. Model G 103 Twin Astir Sailplanes

Model G 103 Twin Astir Sailplanes, (serial numbers 3000 through 3291, with or without the suffix ``T''), certificated in any category. 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 (d) 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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent an asymmetrical airbrake deployment, which could result in an uncontrollable roll and possible loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the airbrake over-center lever (Grob part number (P/ N) 103-4123 (left) and 103-4124 (right), or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers) with a new part of improved design (Grob P/N 103B-4123 (left), and 103B-4124 (right), or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers) in accordance with the Procedures section of Grob Service Bulletin (SB) TM 315-47/2, dated January 20, 1993, and Grob Repair Instructions No. 315-45/2, dated October 11, 1991. Use the dimension called out in the materials list on page one of the Repair Instructions for the correct dimension of the composite sheet. (b) Install inspection holes in accordance with the Procedure section of Grob Repair Instructions No. 315-45/2, dated October 11, 1991. (c) 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. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (e) The modification and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Burkhardt Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, GmbH G 103 Service Bulletin TM 315-47/2, dated January 20, 1993, and Burkhardt Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, GmbH Repair Instructions No. 315- 45/2, dated October 11, 1991. 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 also be obtained from Grob Luft-und Raumfahrt, GmbH., D-8939, Mattsies-am Flugplatz, 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD addresses German AD 92-309/2 Grob, dated February 26, 1993. (f) This amendment (39-10217) becomes effective on December 29, 1997. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 18, 1997. Larry E. Werth, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-30870 Filed 11-25-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P