99-09-09: Rotor Interior Air Cooling System Inspection

99-09-09 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU: Amendment 39-11142; Docket No. 98-CE-98-AD. Applicability: Model ASH 26E 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 (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: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished. To detect and correct any oil-contaminated exhaust damper fairing caused by oil leakage in the red silicone tube of the rotor interior air cooling system, which could result in an exhaust fire and/or an explosion, accomplish the following: (a) Within the next calendar month after the effective date of this AD, inspect the red silicone tube of the rotor interior air cooling system (just in front of the carburetor ) for oil leaks and the heat damping layer of the lower exhaust damper fairing for oil contamination, in accordance with the Action section of Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 6, dated August 10, 1998. Prior to further flight, replace the applicable parts where oil leakage or contamination is found, in accordance with the applicable maintenance manual or other applicable FAA-approved document. (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 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. (d) Questions or technical information related to Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 6, dated August 10, 1998, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co., Segelflugzeugbau, Postfach 60, 36163 Poppenhausen, Germany; telephone: ++49 (0) 6658-890; facsimile: ++49 (0) 6658-8923. 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 inspection required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 6, dated August 10, 1998. 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 GmbH & Co., Segelflugzeugbau, Postfach 60, 36163 Poppenhausen, 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 98-347, dated September 10, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 7, 1999.