2003-19-14 R1: Structural Integrity of Fuselage

2003-19-14 R1 BURKHART GROB LUFT-UND RAUMFAHRT GmbH & CO KG: Amendment 39-13676; Docket No. 2003-CE-35-AD. When Does This AD Become Effective? (a) This AD becomes effective on August 12, 2004. What Other ADs Are Affected by This Action? (b) This AD revises AD 2003-19-14. What Sailplanes Are Affected by This AD? (c) This AD affects the following sailplane models and serial numbers that are certificated in any category: Model Serial numbers G103 TWIN ASTIR All serial numbers. G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) 3544 through 34078 with suffix "K". G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category) 34101 through 34203. What is the Unsafe Condition Presented in This AD? (d) This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent the possibility of damage to the fuselage during limit load flight. Such a condition couldresult in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage and lead to loss of control of the sailplane. What Must I Do To Address This Problem? (e) To address this problem, you must do the following: Actions Compliance Procedures (1) For G103 TWIN ASTIR sailplanes: (i) modify the airspeed indicators; (ii) install flight speed, aerobatic maneuver, and load limit restriction placards; and (iii) revise the flight and maintenance manual (2) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (utility and acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) sailplanes: (i) re-set the airspeed indicator to the new placard limitations; and (ii) install the following 2 placards on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after October 20, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003-19-14). Following GROB Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB315-64/2, dated August 13, 2003. "Simple Aerobatic" maneuvers (spins, lazyeight, chandelles, stall turns, steep turns, and positive loops) are permitted. Maximum flying weight 580 kg / 1280 lbs Maximum airspeeds: km/h kts mph In calm air: VNE 250 135 155 In rough air: VB 170 92 105.5 Aerotow: VT 170 92 105.5 Winch or auto tow: VW 120 65 74.5 Airbrakes extended: VFE 250 135 155 Maneuvering speed: VA 170 92 105.5 (iii) install the following 2 placards on Model G103C TWIN III ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: Within the next 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after August 12, 2004 (the effective date of this AD). Follow GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003. All aerobatic maneuvers and cloud flying are prohibited Maximum flying weight 600 kg / 1323 lbs Maximum airspeeds: km/h kts mph In calm air: VNE 250135 155 In rough air: VRA 170 92 105.5 Aerotow: VT 170 92 105.5 Winch or auto tow: VW 120 65 74.5 Airbrakes extended: VFE 250 135 155 Maneuvering speed: VA 170 92 105.5 (3) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103 TWIN III ACRO (ascrobatic Category) sailplanes: as an alternative to the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you may install additional stringers in the rear fuselage section. Installing additional stringers terminates the flight restrictions in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. (4) For G103A TWIN II ACRO (acrobatic category) and G103C TWIN III ACRO (acrobatic category) sailplanes: only if you installed the additional stringers specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD, do the following: (i) remove the placard prohibiting all aerobatic maneuvers; (ii) install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103A TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: At any time after August 12, 2004 (the effective date of this AD). Follow GROB Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003, and Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003. Maximum flying weight 580 kp / 1280 lbs Maximum airspeeds: km/h kts mph In calm air: VNE 250 135 155 In rough air: VRA 180 97 115 Aerotow: VT 170 92 105.5 Winch or auto tow: VW 120 65 74.5 Airbrakes extended: VFE 250 135 155 Maneuvering speed: VA 180 97 115 (iii) install the following flight limitation placard on Model G103C TWIN II ACRO (aerobatic category) sailplanes: Prior to further flight after doing the actions in paragraph (e)(3) of this AD. Follow GROB Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003. Maximum flying weight 600 kp / 1323 lbs Maximum airspeeds: km/h kts mph In calm air: VNE 280 151 174 In rough air: VB 200 108 124 Aerotow: VT 185 100 115 Winch or auto tow: VW 140 76 87 Airbrakes extended: VFE 280 151 174 Maneuvering speed: VA 185 100 115 May I Request an Alternative Method of Compliance? (f) You may request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD by following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise, send your request to your principal inspector. The principal inspector may add comments and will send your request to the Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA. For information on any already approved alternative methods of compliance, contact Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090. May I Get Copies of the Documents Referenced in This AD? (g) You must do the actions required by this AD following the instructions in GROB Alert Service Bulletin No. ASB315-64/2, dated August 13, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. MSB315-65, dated September 15, 2003; GROB Service Bulletin No. OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003; and GROB Work Instruction for OSB 315-66, dated October 16, 2003. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service bulletin in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get a copy from GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; facsimile: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail: [email protected]. You may review copies at FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .Is There Other Information That Relates to This Subject? (h) German AD Number D-2004-002, dated January 23, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.