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98-06-37 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU: Amendment 39-10416; Docket No. 97-CE-107-AD.
Applicability: Model ASK-21 sailplanes, serial numbers 21 001 through 21 196, certificated in any category, that are equipped with a tow release cable assembly that does not have a swivel-type end.
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 (c) 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 includespecific proposed actions to address it.
Compliance: Required within the next 3 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent the inability to release the tow rope because of the design of the cable assembly, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane during towing operations, accomplish the following:
(a) Replace any tow release cable assembly that does not have a swivel-type end with a tow release cable assembly that does have a swivel-type end in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 10, dated October 10, 1983.
(b) 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.
(c) 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 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.
(d) Questions or technical information related to Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 10, dated October 10, 1983, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
(e) The replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordancewith Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 10, dated October 10, 1983. 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 Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional 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.
NOTE 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD No. 84-2, dated January 13, 1984.
(f) This amendment (39-10416) becomes effective on April 28, 1998.
