98-18-06: Connecting Rod Between Airbrake Bellcranks

98-18-06 SCHEMPP-HIRTH K.G.: Amendment 39-10722; Docket No. 98-CE-51-AD. Applicability: Model Cirrus sailplanes, serial numbers 1 through 50, 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 (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 include specific proposed actions to address it. Compliance: Within the next 4 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent the threaded bolt that is welded to the connecting rod between the airbrake bellcranks from breaking, which could result in loss of airbrake control with a possible reduction/loss of sailplane control, accomplish the following: (a) Modify or replace the connecting rod between the airbrake bellcranks, and replace the existing 6 millimeter (mm) bolt with an 8 mm bolt. Accomplish these actions in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 265-8, dated February 11, 1985. (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 Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 265-8, dated February 11, 1985, should be directed to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Kreben Strasse 25, D-73230 Kircheim unter Teck, Germany. 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 64106. (e) The modification and replacements required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Schempp-Hirth Technical Note No. 265-8, dated February 11, 1985. 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 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Kreben Strasse 25, D-73230 Kircheim unter Teck, 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 85-56, dated March 4, 1985. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 12, 1998.