76-07-11: Water Ballast System Control

76-07-11 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER: Amendment 39-2572. Applies to Model ASW-17 gliders, Serial Numbers 17001 through 17043, certificated in all categories. Compliance is required as indicated. To prevent water ballast from leaking into the fuselage area which could result in a loss of elevator control, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, install a placard in the vicinity of the water ballast system control to read as follows: "USE OF WATER BALLAST SYSTEM PROHIBITED." (b) Within the next 10 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, comply with the following: (1) Install a standard 25 mm (1 inch) diameter hose clamp on each of the two polyvinylchloride (PVC) hoses to secure the two PVC hoses to the brass tubes that feed the water ballast exhausts which are located at the bottom of the fuselage behind the landing gear. (2) Inspect for clamp security by exerting a 10 pound pull on each PVC hose after securing clamps. (3) Install new clamps in place of those clamps which come loose following the inspection required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD and inspect the replacement clamps in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this AD. (c) Upon compliance with paragraph (b) of this AD, the placard required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed. This amendment becomes effective April 22, 1976.