87-17-01: Tow Release Installation

87-17-01 SCHWEIZER AIRCRAFT CORP: Amendment 39-5973. Final copy of priority letter AD issued August 18, 1987. Applies to models (including kit built) SGU 1-7; SGS 2-8 (TG-2); SGS 2-12 (TG-3); SGU 1-19; SGU 1-20; SGU 1-21; SGU 2-22, 2-22A, 2-22C, 2- 22CK, 2-22E, 2-22EK; SGS 1-23, 1-23B, 1-23C, 1-23D, 1-23E, 1-23F, 1-23G, 1-23H, 1-23H15; SGS 1-24; SGS 1-26, 1-26A, 1-26B, 1-26C, 1-26D, 1-26E; SGS 2-32; SGS 2-33, 2-33A, 2- 33AK; SGS 1-34, 1-34R; SGS 1-35C; SGS 1-36 (SPRITE) gliders, certificated in any category. Compliance is required prior to the next flight after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent the possibility of the tow release assembly creating a jammed condition during towing and subsequent failure of the tow line to release, which could result in a forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Inspect the tow release installation to determine if any of the following release arms are installed: P/N 1D217-13, 1D222-15, 1D222-17 or 34017D-15. NOTE: The above arms can be identified by a lug which is welded on the front face of the release arm as shown in Figure 1 of Schweizer Service Bulletin (SB) No. SA-005.1, dated January 31, 1988. (b) Tow release installations which have any of the release arms listed in (a) must have the arms replaced in the following manner: P/N 1D217-13 replace with 1D217-09 P/N 1D222-15 replace with 1D222-11 P/N 1D222-17 replace with 1D222-13 P/N 34017D-15 replace with 34017D-11 (c) Perform the operational check in accordance with Figure 4 in Schweizer SB No. SA-001.3, dated January 31, 1988, following release arm replacement. (d) Upon request, an equivalent means of compliance with the requirements of this AD may be approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New England Region, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581. Schweizer Aircraft Corporation SB No's. SA-005.1, and SA-001.3, both dated January 31, 1988, identified and described in this document, are incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1). All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request from Schweizer Aircraft Corporation, P.O. Box 147, Elmira, New York 14902; telephone (607) 739-3821. These documents may also be examined at the Office of the Regional Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, Room 311, Docket No. 87-ANE-29, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. This amendment, 39-5973, becomes effective on August 19, 1988, as to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by individual priority letter AD 87-17-01, issued August 18, 1987, which contained this amendment.