AD 81-16-01 ACTIVE

81-16-01 FLUG UND FAHRZEUGWERKE AG: Amendment 39-4174. Applies to Model Diamant 16.5 and 18 gliders, serial numbers 11 through 80, certificated in all categories.

Compliance required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To reduce the possibility of wing failure due to possible inadequate bonding of the wing spar cap to the wing shear web, accomplish the following:

(a) Before further flight, install a legible operating limitations placard in full view of the pilot that reads:

"VNE - NEVER EXCEED SPEED 103 MPH 90 KTS
VA - CAUTION SPEED RANGE 74 to 103 MPH 64 to 90 KTS
NO ABRUPT CONTROL MOVEMENTS - AVOID TURBULENCE
MAXIMUM MANEUVER LOAD FACTOR: +2.8 TO -1.4
MAXIMUM GUST LOAD FACTOR: +3.5 to -1.75,"

or install an equivalent placard approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.

(b) Prior to the accumulation of 1500 hours time in service or 50 hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, for gliders with serial numbers 26 through 80, and 1000 hours time in service or 50 hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes later, for gliders with serial numbers 11 through 25:

(1) Inspect, and repair as necessary, wing bonding in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3, "Inspection Instructions," of Flug Und Fahrzeugwerke AG Service Bulletin No. 07, dated December 1978, or an FAA-approved equivalent; and

(2) For gliders with serial numbers 26 to 80, reinforce right hand wing stub spar in accordance with paragraph 2, "Accomplishment Instructions," of Flug Und Fahrzeugwerke AG Service Bulletin 08, dated December 1978, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(3) For gliders with serial numbers 11 through 15, reinforce right hand wing stub spar in accordance with paragraph 2, "Accomplishment Instructions," of Flug Und Fahrzeugwerke AG Service Bulletin 08A, dated February 1979, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(c) Upon accomplishment of the inspection, repair and wing reinforcement required by paragraph (b) of this AD, the flight limitations placard required by paragraph (a) of this AD is no longer required.

(d) If an equivalent means of compliance is used in complying with paragraph (b) of this AD, that equivalent means must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belgium.

This amendment supersedes Amendment 39-3905, AD 80-18-09.

This amendment becomes effective August 6, 1981.