2001-05-08: Central Wing Bolts

2001-05-08 VALENTIN GMBH: Amendment 39-12145; Docket No. 2001-CE-05-AD. (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Model 17E, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category. (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the above sailplanes must comply with this AD. (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to correct improperly installed or cracked central bolts, and damaged, deformed, or loose telescopic rods. This condition, if not corrected, could result in the wing separating from the sailplane, which could cause loss of control of the sailplane. (d) What must I do to address this problem? To address this problem, unless already done, you must do the following actions: Action Compliance Time Procedures (1) Inspect the central bolt for cracks. Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) after April 13, 2001. Do thisaction following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual. (2) If the central bolt has any cracks, replace the central bolt with new bolt F1-1373, Modification "a" or "b" (or FAA- approved equivalent part number) with the wide side of the cone on top. Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1). Do this action following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual. (3) If the central bolt (F1-1373) does not have any cracks, install a new bolt F1-1373, Modification "a" or "b" (or FAA-approved equivalent part number) with the wide side of the cone on top. Within 25 hours TIS after April 13, 2001.Do this action following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual. (4) Do not install any bolt that is not an F1-1373, Modification "a" or "b" (or FAA-approved equivalent part number). As of the effective date of this AD. Not applicable. (5) Inspect telescopic rods and locking mechanisms for any damage, smooth operation over full travel range, and mechanical tightness. Within the next 5 hours TIS after April 13, 2001. Do this action following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual. (6) Remove any problem telescopic rods and locking mechanisms from the sailplane. Before further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (d)(5) above. Do this action following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual Ship any problem telescopic rods and locking mechanisms to Korff + Co.,KG, or an appropriately rated certified repair station, for repair. (7) Install the airworthy or new telescopic rods and locking mechanisms in the sailplane. Before further flight after removing the telescopic rods and locking mechanisms, and after repair of the telescopic rods and locking mechanisms. Do this action following the ACTION paragraph in Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001, and the sailplane flight manual. (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if: (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and (2) The Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Send your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, 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 you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it. (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: (816) 329-4090. (g) What if I need to fly the sailplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your sailplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD. (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done following Korff + Co. KG Service Bulletin KOCO 05/818, issue 2, and Korff Work Instructions AW-KOCO-05/818, issue 2, both dated January 16, 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You can get copies from Korff + Co. KG, Luftfahrttechnischer Betrieb, LBA II-A 189, Dieselstrasse 5, D- 63128, Dietzenbach, Germany; telephone: (49) 6074/4006; facsimile: (49) 6074/4033. You can look at copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on April 13, 2001. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 2000-392, dated December 15, 2000.