AD 98-04-46 Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-19 Sailplanes

Model ASW-19 sailplanes, serial numbers 19001 through 19232, 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 (c) 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 6 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent loss of aileron control caused by an inspection hole cover entering the fuselage, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Modify the inspection hole cover in the fuselage area in accordance with the Instructions: section of Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 7, dated September 11, 1978. Note 2: Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 7 specifies taping the inspection hole cover after the modification to reduce noise and rattle and improve the aerodynamics. Although this action does not address the unsafe condition specified in this AD, the FAA recommends taping the inspection hole cover after accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (a) of this AD. (b) 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. (c) 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, 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. (d) Questions or technical information related to Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 7, dated September 11, 1978, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City. (e) The modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 7, dated September 11, 1978. 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 Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD No. 78- 303, dated November 13, 1978. (f) This amendment (39-10357) becomes effective on April 3, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 11, 1998. Carolanne L. Cabrini, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-4244 Filed 2-26-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P