96-03-12: Canopy System

96-03-12 GLASFLUGEL: Amendment 39-9509; Docket No. 93-CE-02-AD. Applicability: Model Mosquito Sailplanes (all serial numbers), certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For sailplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (f) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification,alteration, or repair remove any sailplane from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD. To prevent canopy system failure, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, and thereafter at the intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the mounting studs on the canopy lifting/tilting frame for evidence of wear and diameter specifications in accordance with the Actions section in Glasflugel Technical Note (TN) 303-18, dated March 1, 1991. (b) If during any of the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD, the mounting stud is found worn or the diameter measures less than 5 mm (0.2 inch), prior to further flight, increase the diameter to 6 mm (0.24 inch) in accordance with paragraph 1 of the Actions section in Glasflugel TN 303-18, dated March 1, 1991. (c) Within the next 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, incorporate the following language on page 19, paragraph 3.3 of the Mosquito flight manual: "Whenever the canopy emergency jettison knob is pulled and prior to each flight, if no locking thread is used, it should be ensured that the Pip pins are fully pushed home, so that the locking balls are clear of and behind their fittings." (d) Incorporating the flight manual revision as required by paragraph (c) of this AD may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate as authorized by section 43.7 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.7), and must be entered into the sailplane's records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.11). (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and21.199) to operate the sailplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (f) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety, may be approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. (g) The inspections, modifications, and installations required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Glasflugel Technical Note 303-18, dated March 1, 1991, and Glasflugel Technical Note 303-9, dated June 22, 1979. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Glasflugel c/o Hansjorg Streifeneder, Glasfaser-Flugzeug Service, Hofener Weg, D 72582 Grabenstetten, Germany, telephone number 49.73.82.10.32. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 7th Floor, suite 700, Washington, DC. (h) This amendment becomes effective on April 1, 1996.