AD 98-09-24 Airworthiness Directives; Diamond Aircraft Industries Models H-36 ``Dimona'' and HK 36 R ``Super Dimona'' Sailplanes

Makes named: diamond. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

The following sailplane models and serial numbers, certificated in any category: Model H-36 ``Dimona'' sailplanes, all serial numbers; and Model H 36 R ``Super Dimona'' sailplanes, serial numbers 36301 through 36414. 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 (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 in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of either the shoulder harness fittings, elevator rib, or the wheel axle to steel support attachment, which could result in passenger injury caused by an inadequate restraint system; reduced sailplane controllability caused by structural damage to the elevator; and/or reduced sailplane controllability during takeoff, landing, and ground operations caused by the installation of incorrect wheel axle screws, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the following: (1) For the Model H-36 ``Dimona'' sailplanes, all serial numbers; and the Model HK 36 R ``Super Dimona'' sailplanes, serial numbers 36301 through 36414, inspect the elevator rib area for damage. Accomplish this inspection in accordance with Diamond Work Instruction No. 21, dated March 20, 1996, as referenced in Diamond Service Bulletin No. 51, dated March 30, 1996. (2) For the Model HK 36 R ``Super Dimona'' sailplanes, serial numbers 36301 through 36327, replace the M6 screws that attach the wheel axle to steel support with M8 screws. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with Hoffman Work Instruction No. 10, dated May 29, 1991, as referenced in Hoffman Service Bulletin No. 27, dated May 31, 1991. (3) For the Model H-36 ``Dimona'' sailplanes, serial numbers 3501 through 3539 and 3601 through 36143, inspect the shoulder harness fittings for improper bonding. Accomplish this inspection in accordance with Hoffman Service Bulletin 17, dated January 20, 1987. (b) Prior to further flight after the inspections required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(3) of this AD, accomplish the following: (1) If any damage is found in the elevator rib area on any sailplane affected by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, replace the elevator ribs in accordance with Diamond Work Instruction No. 21, dated March 20, 1996, as referenced in Diamond Service Bulletin No. 51, dated March 30, 1996. (2) If an improper bonding is found on the shoulder harness fittings on any sailplane affected by paragraph (a)(3) of this AD, repair the shoulder harness fittings in accordance with Hoffman Service Bulletin 17, dated January 20, 1987. (c) For the Model H-36 ``Dimona'' sailplanes, all serial numbers; and the Model HK 36 R ``Super Dimona'' sailplanes, serial numbers 36301 through 36414, within the next 3,000 hours time-in- service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, replace the elevator ribs, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with Diamond Work Instruction No. 21, dated March 20, 1996, as referenced in Diamond Service Bulletin No. 51, dated March 30, 1996. (d) 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. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times 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. (f) Questions or technical information related to the service information referenced in this AD should be directed to Diamond Aircraft Industries, G.m.b.H., N.A. Otto-Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener Neustadt, Austria. 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 64106. (g) The inspections, replacements, and repair required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Diamond Work Instruction No. 21, dated March 20, 1996, as referenced in Diamond Service Bulletin No. 51, dated March 30, 1996; Hoffman Work Instruction No. 10, dated May 29, 1991, as referenced in Hoffman Service Bulletin No. 27, dated May 31, 1991; and Hoffman Service Bulletin 17, dated January 20, 1987. 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 Diamond Aircraft Industries, G.m.b.H., N.A. Otto-Strabe 5, A-2700, Wiener Neustadt, Austria. 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 Austrian AD No. 85, dated May 29, 1996, for the elevator condition; Austrian AD No. 63, not dated, for the wheel axle screws condition; and Austrian AD No. 54, not dated, for the shoulder harness fittings condition. (h) This amendment becomes effective on June 15, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 21, 1998. Marvin R. Nuss, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-11162 Filed 4-29-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U