AD 98-13-04 Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-100 and DG-400 Gliders

Models DG-100 and DG-400 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each glider 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 gliders 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 (d) 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 overloading of the airbrake control system caused by free play between the bellcrank and airbrake plate, which could result in failure of the operating lever of the airbrake torque tube in the fuselage, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months, inspect the airbrakes to assure they retract at their outboard end first in accordance with DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instructions No. 1 for Technical Notes No. 301/18, 323/9, and 826/ 34, dated November 4, 1996. If the airbrakes do not retract at their outboard end first, prior to further flight, repair the airbrakes in accordance with the above-referenced working instructions. (b) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 calendar months, inspect the airbrake torque tube in the fuselage for cracks or deformations in accordance with DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH Working instructions No. 2 for Technical Notes No. 301/18, 323/9, and 826/ 34, dated November 4, 1996. If cracks or deformations are found in the airbrake torque tube, prior to further flight, reinforce or replace, as necessary, in accordance with the above-referenced working instructions. (c) 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 glider to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the initial or repetitive 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. (e) Questions or technical information related to service information referenced in this AD should be directed to DG- Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, Germany; telephone: +49 7257-89-0; facsimile: +49 7257-8922. 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. (f) The inspections, repair, reinforcement, and replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with DG-Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 and No. 2 for Technical Notes No. 301/18, No. 323/9, and No. 826/34, dated November 4, 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 DG-Flugzeugbau GmbH, Postfach 4120, D-76625 Bruchsal 4, 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 97-011, dated January 30, 1997. (g) This amendment becomes effective on August 2, 1998. [[Page 32722]] Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 8, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-15894 Filed 6-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U