AD 98-19-01 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Model S10 Sailplanes

Model S10 sailplanes, serial numbers 10-01 through 10-35, 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 (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 prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the pitot tube O-ring caused by an ineffective design, which could result in the pitot tube falling out and the sailplane pilot losing airspeed indications, accomplish the following: (a) Replace the O-ring that is installed in the mounting part of the pitot tube (in the propeller dome) with one of improved design, part number 10 RV-PD28. Accomplish this replacement in accordance with Stemme Technical Bulletin No. A31-10-003, dated February 7, 1992. Note 2: Stemme Technical Bulletin No. A31-10-003, dated February 7, 1992, specifies repetitively greasing the replacement O-ring with silicone at 3-month intervals. This is not a requirement of this AD since it is considered regular maintenance for the sailplane operator. (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 3: 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 Technical Bulletin No. A31-10-003, dated February 7, 1992, should be directed to Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-W-1000 Berlin 65, 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. (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Stemme Technical Bulletin No. A31-10-003, dated February 7, 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 Stemme GmbH & Co. KG, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, D-W-1000 Berlin 65, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 92-197 Stemme, dated April 9, 1992. (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 25, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri on August 28, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-23967 Filed 9-9-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U