AD 77-25-04 ACTIVE

77-25-04 ALEXANDER SCHLEICHER: Amendment 39-3095. Applies to Model Rhonlerche II gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required within the next 5 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent shearing of the cotter pins which safety the aileron control Clevis pins and possible loss of aileron control, accomplish the following:

(a) Inspect the Clevis pins connecting the aileron control cables to the main control shaft and if found not to be inserted from aft to front (Head of Clevis pin must face wheelbox), re-insert the Clevis pins from aft to front and install new cotter pins.

(b) Inspect the skid. If it is found to be 3/4 inches or less in thickness, replace the skid with a serviceable skid of the same part number or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, Federal Aviation Administration, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Region, c/o American Embassy,A.P.O. New York, N.Y. 09667.

NOTE: During the inspection required by this paragraph, particular attention should be given to the skid in the area from 24 to 32 inches in front of the wheel-axle.

(c) Revise the Rhonlerche II flight and service manual as follows:

(1) On Page 5, after the words "connect at the control shaft", insert the words "the Clevis pins must be inserted from aft to front".

(2) On Page 9, prior to the words "If the glider is used much on rocky and . . .", insert the sentence "Measured 24 to 32 inches forward of the wheel-axle, the skid must not be thinner than 3/4 inch".

Note: Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 14 dated September 15, 1977, deals with the same subject as this AD.

This amendment becomes effective December 27, 1977.