AD 98-06-03 Airworthiness Directives; EXTRA Flugzeugbau GmbH Model EA-300 Airplanes

Makes named: extra. Models named: EA-300. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EA-300 airplanes (serial numbers V1, and 001 through 034), 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 (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 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent possible jamming of the airplane's control system, which, if not corrected, could cause loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the elevator mass balance assemblies with new reinforced elevator mass balance assemblies (part number (P/N) PC- 33202.1B or an FAA-approved equivalent part number), in accordance with the Instructions section of the EXTRA EA-300, Elevator Mass Balance, Service Bulletin No. 300-1-92, Issue A, dated March 27, 1992. (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 airplane 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, Aircraft Certification Service, 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. (d) Questions or technical information related to EXTRA EA-300, Elevator Mass Balance, Service Bulletin No. 300-1-92, Issue A, dated March 27, 1992, should be directed to Extra Flugzeugbau, GmbH, Schwarze Heide 21, 46569 Hunxe, Germany. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with EXTRA EA-300, Elevator Mass Balance, Service Bulletin No. 300-1-92, Issue A, dated March 27, 1992. 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 Extra Flugzeugbau, GmbH, Schwarze Heide 21, 46569 Hunxe, 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 is addressed in German AD 92-199 Extra, dated April 13, 1992. (f) This amendment (39-10381) becomes effective on April 24, 1998. [[Page 11823]] Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 3, 1998. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-6019 Filed 3-10-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U