AD 98-08-03 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models S10 and S10-V Sailplanes

The following sailplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Models Serial Nos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ S10................................ 10-03 through 10-63. S10V............................... 14-002 through 14-026 and transformed S10V sailplanes with serial numbers of 14-012M through 14-063M. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer caused by cracked rear fittings, which could result in loss of sailplane controllability, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the horizontal stabilizer rear fittings with improved design fittings in accordance with the instructions in Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-022, dated August 16, 1996. (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 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 Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-022 dated August 16, 1996, should be directed to Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-13355 Berlin, Germany; telephone: 49.33.41.31.11.70; facsimile: 49.33.41.31.11.73. 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 Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-022, dated August 16, 1996. 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 to Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-13355 Berlin, 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 26, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on March 31, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-9155 Filed 4-8-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U