88-17-05: Elevator Drive Bracket

88-17-05 SCHEMPP-HIRTH GMBH: Amendment 39-5982. Applies to Models Nimbus-2B, Janus B, and Mini-Nimbus B gliders certificated in any category. Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the elevator drive bracket and loss of pitch control accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 10 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS from the last inspection, visually inspect the elevator drive bracket, P/N 30.055, using a 5-power or greater magnifying glass for cracks in the area adjacent to the welds on both sides of the bracket as shown in Sketch 1 or Sketch 3 of Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note (TN) No. 286-24, dated August 14, 1987, for Nimbus-2B gliders, TN No. 295-19, dated August 14, 1987, for Janus B gliders, and TN No. 328-8, dated August 14, 1987, for Mini-Nimbus B gliders. (b) If cracks are found in the elevator drive bracket, replace the elevator drive bracket with elevator drive bracket, Part Number (P/N) 30.055, modification "a", dated August 24, 1987, before further flight. (c) Prior to November 30, 1988, unless already accomplished, replace elevator drive bracket P/N 30.055 with elevator drive bracket P/N 30.055, modification "a", dated August 24, 1987. NOTE: Installation of P/N 30.055, modification "a" is shown in Schempp-Hirth drawing HS5-30.055/1 Elevator-to-Stabilizer Assembly. (d) Upon request an equivalent means of compliance with the requirements of this AD may be approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 15 Rue de la Loi B-1040 Brussels, Belgium; telephone 513.38.30, Ext. 2710; or the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, Aircraft Certification Division, Federal Aviation Administration, New England Region, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; telephone (516) 791- 6680. (e) Upon submission of substantiating data by an owner or operator through an FAA Airworthiness Inspector, the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, or the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office may adjust the compliance times specified in this AD. Schempp-Hirth GmbH TN No. 286-24 with 4 attached sketches, TN No. 295-19 with 4 attached sketches, and TN No. 328-8 with 4 attached sketches and 1 attached drawing, all dated August 14, 1987, 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 to Messrs. Schempp-Hirth, Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstr 25, PostFach 14 43, D-7312 Kircheim/Teck, Federal Republic of Germany. 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, Rules Docket 88-ANE-27, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. This amendment, 39-5982, becomes effective on August 19, 1988.