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2001-10-08 Rolladen Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-12234; Docket No. 2000-CE-33-AD.
(a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Models LS 3, LS 4, and LS 6c sailplanes, all serial numbers, 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 detect and correct corrosion damage to the airbrake levers and bearings caused by collection of water in the airbrake boxes, not detected during postflight checks. This condition could result in the airbrakes locking in the extended position and a consequent off-field or short landing.
(d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must do the following:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Inspect the airbrake levers in the wing for lower end corrosion and for play in flight direction when fully extended, and retracting under load.
Within the next 30 calendar days after July 13, 2001 (the effective date of this AD), and thereafter at every three calendar years.
Do these actions following the applicable Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletin:
Model LS 3: No. 3051, dated September 14, 1999;
Model LS 4: No. 4043, dated September 14, 1999; or
Model LS 6c: No. 6037, dated September 14, 1999.
(2) Replace the bearings if there is jamming under load.
Prior to further flight after the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
Do this action following the applicable Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletin:
Model LS 3: No. 3051, dated September 14, 1999;
Model LS 4: No. 4043, dated September 14, 1999; or
Model LS 6c: No. 6037, dated September 14, 1999.
(3) If corrosion of the bearings is found, but no jamming, replace the bearings.
Within 6 calendar months after the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD.
Do this action following the applicable Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletin:
Model LS 3: No. 3051, dated September 14, 1999;
Model LS 4: No. 4043, dated September 14, 1999; or
Model LS 6c: No. 6037, dated September 14, 1999.
(4) For only the Model LS 3, adjust the lower lever member.
Within the next 30 calendar days after July 13, 2001 (the effective date of this AD).
Do this action following the procedures contained in Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletin No. 3051, dated September 14, 1999.
(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. Submit 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) 329-4121; facsimile: (816) 329-4091.
(g) What if I need to fly the sailplane to another location to complywith 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 in accordance with Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletin No. 3051, Technical Bulletin No. 4043, or Technical Bulletin No. 6037, all dated September 14, 1999. 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 Rolladen-Schneider Flugzeugbau GmbH, Muhlstrasse 10, D-63329 Egelsbach, Germany. You can look at copies at the 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 July 13, 2001.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD Numbers 2000-076, 2000-082, and 2000-085, all dated March 9, 2000.
