97-03-02: Control Surface Weight and Static Moment

97-03-02 GLASFLUGEL: Amendment 39-9908; Docket No. 96-CE-38-AD. Applicability: Models H301 "Libelle", H301B "Libelle", Standard "Libelle", Standard Libelle 201B, Club Libelle 205, and Kestrel 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 request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to addressit. Compliance: Required within the next three calendar months after the effective date of this AD or at the time of any repair to or repainting of the control surface, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished. To prevent sailplane flutter because the weight and static moment of the control surface are not within certain limits, which could result loss of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following: (a) Measure and adjust the control surface weight and static moment in accordance with the Glasflugel Flight and Service Manual amendments referenced in paragraph (b) of this AD. (b) Insert the following amendments into the sailplane maintenance manual, as applicable: Sailplane Models Glasflugel Flight and Service Manual Amendment Page Numbers H301 Libelle and H301B Libelle pages 14a and 14b Standard Libelle pages E14a and E14b Standard Libelle 201B pages E15a and E15b Club Libelle 205 pages 42a and 42b Kestrel pages 27a and 27b (c)Inserting the amendments into the Glasflugel Flight and Service Manual as required by paragraph (b) 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 aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.11 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.11). (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the sailplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time 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 MaintenanceInspector, 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. (f) The inspections required by this AD shall be done in accordance with the following Glasflugel Flight and Service Manual amendments, as applicable: Sailplane Models Glasflugel Flight and Service Manual Amendment Page Numbers Manual Date H301 Libelle and H301B Libelle pages 14a and 14b May 1965 Standard Libelle pages E14a and E14b October 1968 Standard Libelle 201B pages E15a and E15b July 1972 Club Libelle 205 pages 42a and 42b October 1974 Kestrel pages 27a and 27b April 1971 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 Hr. H. Streifeneder, Glasfaser-Flugzeug-Service GmbH, Hofener Weg, D-72582 Grabenstetten, Germany. 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., suite 700, Washington, DC. (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 21, 1997.