2001-26-25: Airspeed Indicator

2001-26-25 Grob-Werke Gmbh & Co KG: Amendment 39-12591; Docket No. 2001-CE-48-AD (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects the following Models G102 Club Astir III, G102 Club Astir IIIb, and G102 Standard Astir III sailplanes, 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 prevent elevator flutter, which could cause structural damage. Such damage could result in loss of control of the sailplane. (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Apply a red mark on the airspeed indicator at 165 kilometers/hour (km/h), 89.1 knots (kts), or 102.5 miles per hour (mph) (according to the airspeed indicator calibration).Within the next 10 calendar days after January 31, 2002 (the effective date of this AD). In accordance with Grob Service Bulletin No. MSB306-36/2, dated November 22, 2001. (2) Install a placard on the airspeed indicator at restricting the Vne airspeed as indicated in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD. The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7) may perform the installation of the placard. You must make an entry into the aircraft records that shows compliance with this portion of the AD, in accordance with section 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9). Within the next 10 calendar days after January 31, 2002 (the effective date of this AD). In accordance with Grob Service Bulletin No. MSB306-36/2, dated November 22, 2001. (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) 329-4144; 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 Secs. 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 Grob Service Bulletin No. MSB306-36/2, dated November 22, 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 GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 49 8268 998200. You may view 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 January 31, 2002. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD 2001-317/2, dated November 30, 2001.