AD 98-12-06 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models S10 and S10-V Sailplanes.

Model S10 (serial numbers 10-12 through 10-60), and Model S10-V (serial numbers 14-002 through 14-022) and transformed Model S10-V (serial numbers 14-012M to 14-060M) sailplanes, 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 (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 engine valve malfunction, which could cause engine failure during flight and loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 30 days after the effective date of this AD, insert a revision in the Limitations Section 2.4.2.1, Fuel, of the flight manual (FM) that states: ``Only authorized fuel is AVGAS 100LL'' in accordance with the Instructions section of Stemme Service Bulletin (SB) Document No. A31-10-021, dated June 28, 1995. (b) Incorporating the revision to the Limitations Section of the FM, as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). (c) Within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD; (1) Inspect the fine fuel filter for the accumulation of chopped cotton fibers, and replace the filter if it is contaminated, prior to further flight, in accordance with the Instructions section of Stemme SB Document No. A31-10-021, dated June 28, 1995; and, (2) Inspect the engine in accordance with LIMBACH Flugmotoren Technical Bulletin No. 47, dated June 28, 1995. (3) If a brownish-black sticky residue is found on the engine, prior to further flight, disassemble and clean the engine in accordance with LIMBACH Flugmotoren Technical Bulletin No. 47, dated June 28, 1995. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 1.197 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 Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. (f) Questions or technical information related to Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-021, dated June 28, 1995, and LIMBACH Flugmotoren Technical Bulletin No. 47, dated June 28, 1995, should be directed to Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-13355 Berlin, Federal Republic of 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 64106. (g) The insertion, inspections, and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31- 10-021, dated June 28, 1995, and Limbach Flugmotoren Technical Bulletin No. 47, dated June 28, 1995. 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 Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-13355 Berlin, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 95-273, dated July 11, 1995. (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 17, 998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 27, 1998. Marvin R. Nuss, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-14614 Filed 6-3-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U