87-06-01 VALENTIN GmbH: Amendment 39-5573. Applies to Model Taifun 17E motor gliders equipped with tailplane (horizontal stabilizer) front mounting swivel head P/N KA10IHV certificated in any category.
Compliance is required as indicated unless already accomplished.
To prevent the failure of the tailplane front mounting swivel head P/N KA10IHV which could result in the glider becoming uncontrollable, accomplish the following:
(a) Within the next 5 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time-in-service after the last inspection unless compliance with Paragraph (c) has been accomplished, visually inspect the threaded shank of the tailplane front mounting swivel head P/N KA10IHV, using a 5 power or greater magnifying glass, for cracks or deformation in accordance with Action 1 of Valentin Technical Note 10/818, dated June 20, 1986.
(b) If a cracked or deformed mounting is found during the inspection required by Paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight, replace the tailplane front mounting with a serviceable tailplane front mounting installation P/N F1-2313 in accordance with Action 2 of Valentin Technical Note No. 10/818, dated June 20, 1986, and Installation Instruction to Technical Note No. 10/818 dated June 20, 1986.
(c) Prior to April 20, 1987, replace any tailplane front mounting not replaced in accordance with Paragraph (b) of this AD, with an improved tailplane front mounting installation P/N F1-2313 in accordance with Action 2 of Valentin Technical Note No. 10/818, dated June 20, 1986, and Installation Instruction to Technical Note No. 10/818 dated June 20, 1986.
Upon request, an equivalent means of compliance with the requirements of this AD may be approved by the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, 15 Rue de Ia Loi B-1040 Brussels, Belgium, Telephone No. 513.38.30 ext. 2710 or the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, New England Region, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581, Telephone No. 516-791-6680.
Upon submission of substantiating data by an owner or operator through an FAA maintenance inspector, the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office or the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, may adjust the compliance time specified in this AD.
Valentin Technical Note No. 10/818, dated June 20, 1986, and Valentin Installation Instruction to Technical Note No. 10/818, dated June 20, 1986, identified and described in this document, are incorporated herein and made a part hereof pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(1). All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Morris Aviation Ltd., Statesboro Airport, Box 718, Statesboro, Georgia 30458. These documents also may be examined at the Office of Regional Counsel, Rules Docket No. 86-ANE-51, Room 311, FAA, New England Region, 12 New England Executive Park, Burlington, Massachusetts 01803, between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday thru Friday, except federal holidays.
This amendment becomes effective on March 27, 1987.