AD 98-24-10 Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Model S10 Sailplanes

Model S10 sailplanes, serial numbers 10-03 through 10-26, 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 (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 as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the flap drive rocker caused by the design of the original part, which could result in loss of lateral control and wing flap control with consequent reduced and/or loss of sailplane control, accomplish the following: (a) Prior to further flight after the effective date of this AD, replace the flap drive rocker, part number (P/N) 10SW-RMW, with a modified flap drive rocker, in accordance with Stemme Installation Instruction No. A34-10-017-E, Amendment-Index 01.a, dated August 10, 1998, as referenced in Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-017, Amendment-Index 02.a, dated May 20, 1998. (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, 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. A31-10-017, Amendment-Index 02.a, dated May 20, 1998, 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 64106. (e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Stemme Installation Instruction No. A34-10-017-E, Amendment-Index 01.a, dated August 10, 1998, as referenced in Stemme Service Bulletin No. A31-10-017, Amendment-Index 02.a, dated May 20, 1998. 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, 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 1998- 324, dated July 30, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on December 9, 1998. [[Page 64602]] Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 10, 1998. Michael Gallagher, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-30895 Filed 11-20-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U