AD 95-11-15 R1 ACTIVE

This action confirms the effective date of Airworthiness Directive (AD) 95-11-15 R1, which applies to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher) Model ASK 21 gliders. AD 95-11-15 R1 requires replacing the parallel rocker with a part of improved design and incorporating flight manual revisions, but only for those gliders with the automatic elevator connection incorporated. AD 95-11-15 was the result of two incidents of the parallel rocker breaking at the elevator connection on the affected gliders. Since that time, the FAA has determined that the AD should only affect those Model ASK 21 gliders equipped with the automatic elevator connection. The actions specified in this AD are intended to continue to prevent possible loss of elevator control that could result from a broken parallel rocker.

Direct final rule; confirmation of effective date

95-11-15 R1 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER SEGELFLUGZEUGBAU: Amendment 39-11149; Docket No. 91-CE-25-AD; Revises AD 95-11-15, Amendment 39-9248.

Applicability: The following serial numbered Model ASK 21 gliders, certificated in any category:

- Serial numbers 21206 through 21473; and

- Any earlier serial numbers that were retrofitted to incorporate an automatic elevator connection.

NOTE 1: Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 11 includes all the procedures necessary to retrofit the earlier serial numbered Model ASK 21 gliders.

NOTE 2: This AD applies to each glider 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 gliders 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 address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated in the body of this AD, unless already accomplished (compliance with AD 95-11-15).

To prevent possible loss of elevator control that could result from a broken parallel rocker, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 30 calendar days after July 14, 1995 (the effective date of AD 95-11-15), accomplish the following:

(1) Replace the parallel rocker with an improved and stronger part (part number 99.000.4940 with modification status 1), in accordance with the instructions in Alexander Schleicher ASK 21 Technical Note No. 22, dated November 26, 1990.

(2) Incorporate the flight manual revisions included with the technical note referenced above into the aircraft flight manual (AFM).

(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on any affected glider, a parallel rocker that is not part number 99.000.4940 with modification status 1.

(c) Accomplishment of the AFM insertion, as required by paragraph (a)(2) 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 43.9 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.9).

(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 glider to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance times that provides an equivalent level of safety may be usedif approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.

(1) 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.

(2) Alternative methods of compliance approved in accordance with AD 95-11-15 are considered approved for this AD.

NOTE 3: 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 replacement required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Alexander Schleicher ASK 21 Technical Note No. 22, dated November 26, 1990. The incorporation by reference was previously approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of July 14, 1995 (60 FR 29978, June 7, 1995). 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.

(g) This amendment becomes effective July 25, 1999.

The FAA published this direct final rule with request for comments in the Federal Register on April 26, 1999 (64 FR 20142). The FAA uses the direct final rulemaking procedure for a noncontroversial rule where the FAA anticipates that there will be no adverse public comment. This direct final rule advised the public that no adverse comments were anticipated, and that unless a written adverse comment, or a written notice of intent to submit such an adverse comment, was received within the comment period, the regulation would become effective on July 25, 1999. No adverse comments were received, and thus this notice confirms that this final rule will become effective on that date.

Mr. Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; facsimile: (816) 426-2169.