2006-17-02 GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG (previously identified as BURKHART-GROB FLUGZEUGBAU INDUSTRIESTRABE): Amendment 39-14723; Docket No. FAA-2006-24253; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective on September 22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes 84-09-05, Amendment 39-4849.
Applicability
(c) This AD affects Model G102 ASTIR CS sailplanes, serial numbers 1001 through 1536, that are certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the spherical locking bolt, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer connection. This failure could lead to loss of control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Remove and replace as follows:
(i) Remove theexisting retaining pins (collar bolts) and the self-locking nut and replace with new retaining pins, part numbers (P/N) 102-2142.46, and self-locking nut, P/N LN9348-M8 (or FAA-approved equivalent part numbers), on the T-plate;
(ii) Remove the existing spherical locking bolt and replace with a new spherical locking bolt, P/N 102-3500.21, that has revision letter b permanently marked on the bottom of the bolt (or FAA-approved equivalent part number). Return replaced spherical locking bolts, P/N 102-3500.21, to Grob Systems, Inc., Aircraft Division, 1070 Navajo Drive, Bluffton, Ohio 45817;
(iii) Remove the existing nut and replace with a new nut, P/N 102-3510.21 (or FAA-approved equivalent part number); and
(iv) Remove the existing lock washer and replace with a new lock washer, P/N DIN 6797-10,5PHR (or FAA-approved equivalent part number).
Within the next 90 days after September 22, 2006 (the effective date of this AD), unless already done. After doing the replacements, thespherical locking bolt and the retaining pins have a life limit of 10 years and must be replaced at that time.
As specified in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38/1, dated November 28, 2005, following the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004, and the Annual Inspection procedures on pages 7 and 8 of the Astir CS Maintenance Manual, Rev. 9, dated Nov. 2005.
(2) Using a dye-penetrant method along with a minimum 10X magnifying glass, repetitively inspect the front and rear horizontal stabilizer attachment assembly for excessive movement, cracks, and/or damage in the spherical locking bolt. This inspection method takes precedence over the procedures outlined in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004.
Initially inspect within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) or at the next annual inspection after the replacement required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, whichever occurs first. Repetitively inspect thereafter at 12-month intervals or at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS, whichever occurs first.
As specified in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38/1, dated November 28, 2005, following the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004, and the Annual Inspection procedures on pages 7 and 8 of the Astir CS Maintenance Manual, Rev. 9, dated Nov. 2005.
(3) If, during any inspection required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, you find excessive movement:
(i) In the front horizontal stabilizer attachment, you must replace the spherical locking bolt with a new part.
(ii) In the rear horizontal stabilizer attachment, you must replace the retaining pins with new parts.
(iii) In the front and rear horizontal stabilizer attachment after doing the replacement(s) required in paragraph (e)(3)(i) and (e)(3)(ii) of this AD, you must replace the bearings in the stabilizer spar web.
Before further flight after each inspection required in paragraph (e)(2) of this AD. Aftereach replacement, the spherical locking bolt and the retaining pins have a life limit of 10 years and must be replaced at that time.
As specified in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38/1, dated November 28, 2005, following the Accomplishment Instructions in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004, and the Annual Inspection procedures on pages 7 and 8 of the Astir CS Maintenance Manual, Rev. 9, dated Nov. 2005.
Note: During ground handling, it has been noted that a tendency exists for the ground crew to move these gliders by using the horizontal stabilizer as a lifting point. This practice may facilitate damage to the stabilizer assembly and should be avoided. See Caution note in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Gregory A. Davison, Aerospace Engineer, ACE-112, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(g) AMOCs approved for AD 84-09-05 are not approved for this AD.
Related Information
(h) German AD Number D-2004-168, dated March 23, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must do the actions required by this AD following the instructions in GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38, dated February 12, 2004, and GROB Service Bulletin MSB306-38/1, dated November 28, 2005. 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. To get a copy of this service information, contact GROB Luft-und Raumfahrt, Lettenbachstrasse 9, D-86874 Tussenhausen-Mattsies, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 011 49 8268 998139; fax: 011 49 8268 998200; e-mail:
[email protected]. To review copies of this service information, go to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html or call (202)741-6030. To view the AD docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or on dms.dot.gov. The docket number is FAA-2006-24253; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-23-AD.
