2010-08-01: Stabilizers

2010-08-01 Aircraft Industries a.s.: Amendment 39-16256; Docket No. FAA-2010-0357; Directorate Identifier 2010-CE-017-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 26, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Models L 23 Super Blanik gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 55: Stabilizers. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Cracks on the stabilizer elevator inner hinges of seven L 23 SUPERBLAN K sailplanes have been detected during an inspection. This condition, if not corrected, could result in no longer retaining the elevator in place and in jamming of the Pilot's elevator control system, and subsequent loss of elevator control. For the reasons stated above, this Emergency AD requires the inspection of the elevator inner hinges, and the accomplishmentof the relevant corrective actions as necessary. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Before further flight as of April 26, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer in accordance with paragraphs A.1., A.2. and A.4. of Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L23/052a, dated March 2, 2010. (2) If, as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, you find any elevator inner hinge on the elevator is cracked or damaged, before further flight, replace it in accordance with paragraphs A.3. and A.4. of Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L23/052a, dated March 2, 2010. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: (1) The MCAI and the service information specify that you inspect the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer, and if you find any elevator inner hinge on the elevator is cracked or damaged, before further flight, replace it. The MCAI also requires you to repetitively inspect the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer at intervals not to exceed every 1,000 hours time-in-service (TIS). (2) This AD is considered an interim action because we are not including the mandatory repetitive inspection of the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer at intervals not to exceed every 1,000 hours TIS. The Administrative Procedure Act does not permit the FAA to "bootstrap'' a long-term requirement into an urgent safety of flight action where the rule becomes effective at the same time the public has the opportunity to comment. The short-term action and the long-term action are analyzed separately for justification to bypass prior public notice. (3) After issuing this AD, we may initiate further AD action (notice of proposed rulemaking followed by a final rule) to require that you repetitively inspect the elevator inner hinges on the stabilizer at intervals notto exceed every 1,000 hours TIS. Credit will be given in any subsequent action for the initial inspection done under this AD. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Greg Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; fax: (816) 329-4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Emergency AD No.: 2010-0037-E, dated March 8, 2010, and Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L23/052a, dated March 2, 2010, for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Aircraft Industries, a.s. Mandatory Bulletin MB No.: L23/052a, dated March 2, 2010, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by referenceof this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Aircraft Industries, a.s.--Na z[aacute]honech1177, 686 04 Kunovice, Czech Republic; telephone: +420 572 817 660; fax: +420 572 816 112; E-mail: ots@let.cz; Internet: www.let.cz. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329-3768. (4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD 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.