[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 140 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39101-39104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-18497]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 140 / Tuesday, July 22, 1997 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 39101]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 92-CE-41-AD; Amendment 39-10080; AD 97-08-06 R1]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Louis L'Hotellier, S.A., Ball and 
Swivel Joint Quick Connectors

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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SUMMARY: This document clarifies information in Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 97-08-06 that applies to Louis L'Hotellier S.A. (L'Hotellier) ball 
and swivel joint quick connectors installed on gliders and sailplanes 
that are not equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-safety sleeve. 
These connectors allow the operator of the gliders and sailplanes to 
quickly connect and disconnect the control systems during assembly and 
disassembly for storage purposes. AD 97-08-06 currently requires 
enlarging the safety pin guide hole diameter, and fabricating and 
installing a placard that specifies the requirement of securing the 
control system connectors with safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves 
prior to each flight. The actions specified in that AD are intended to 
prevent the connectors from becoming inadvertently disconnected, which 
could result in loss of control of the sailplane or glider. This 
document clarifies the applicability and modification instructions of 
AD 97-08-06 by including additional instructions to accomplish the same 
actions. This correction of the AD results from several operators 
expressing uncertainty about the applicability and modification 
instructions.

DATES: Effective August 1, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. J. Mike Kiesov, Project Officer, 
Sailplanes/Gliders, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service, FAA, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; 
telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On April 2, 1997, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued AD 97-08-06, Amendment 39-9994 (62 FR 
17537, April 10, 1997), which applies to gliders and sailplanes 
utilizing the L'Hotellier ball and swivel joint quick connectors, and 
that are not equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-Safety sleeve. 
That AD requires the following:

--Enlarging the safety pin guide hole diameter to a minimum of 1.2 
mm (0.05 in.) to accommodate a safety wire or pin, as applicable.
--Fabricating a placard (using 1/8 inch letters) with the following 
words:

``All L'Hotellier control system connectors must be secured with 
safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves, as applicable, prior to 
operation.''; and

--Installing this placard in the glider or sailplane within the 
pilot's clear view.

    The AD resulted from several in-flight accidents involving 
inadvertent disconnection of these connectors that are installed on 
certain gliders and sailplanes. The actions required by AD 97-08-06 are 
intended to prevent the connectors from becoming inadvertently 
disconnected, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane or 
glider.

Need for the Correction

    Since the issuance of AD 97-08-06, the FAA received several reports 
from operators stating that they are not clear as to whether the AD 
applies to their sailplane or glider.
    The FAA also did not distinguish that there are two styles of ball 
and swivel joint quick connectors (locking plates and locking cams), 
which has led to confusion for affected sailplane and glider operators 
in complying with the AD.
    In addition, paragraph (a) of AD 97-08-06 requires the operator to 
enlarge the safety pin guide hole of the quick connectors to accomodate 
a safety wire or pin for those sailplanes or gliders equipped with the 
affected quick connectors that have a safety pin guide hole. Paragraph 
(b) of this AD requires fabricating and installing a placard that 
specifies the requirement of securing the control system connectors 
with safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves, as applicable, prior to each 
flight. If a sailplane or glider is equipped with a quick connector 
that does not have a safety pin guide hole, it would be impossible for 
the owner /operator to comply with paragraph (b) of AD 97-08-06 without 
drilling guide holes.
    Consequently, the FAA saw a need to clarify the applicability of AD 
97-08-06, to more fully explain the intent of the modification 
requirements of AD 97-08-06, and to add the requirement of drilling 
safety pin guide holes if not already equipped.

Correction of Publication

    This document clarifies the applicability and modification 
instructions of AD 97-08-06, and adds the AD as an amendment to section 
39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).
    Since this action only clarifies the applicability and 
modifications instructions, it has no adverse economic impact and 
imposes no additional burden on any person than would have been 
necessary to comply with paragraph (b) of AD 97-08-06. Therefore, the 
FAA has determined that prior notice and opportunity for public comment 
are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) 97-07-10, Amendment 39-97-08-06, Amendment 39-9994 (62 FR 17537,

[[Page 39102]]

April 10, 1997), and by adding a new AD to read as follows:

97-08-06 R1  Louis L' Hotellier, S.A. Amendment 39-10080; Docket No. 
92-CE-41-AD. Revises AD 97-08-06, Amendment 39-9994.

    Applicability: All ball and swivel joint quick connectors 
installed in, but not limited to, the following gliders and 
sailplanes that are not equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-
Safety sleeve:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Manufacturer                            Models           
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander Schleicher......................  ASK21, ASK23, ASW 12, ASW15,
                                             ASW15B, ASW17, ASW19,      
                                             ASW19B, S 12, AS-K13.      
Centrair, S.N.............................  101, 101A, 101P, 101AP, and 
                                             201B.                      
Eiravion..................................  PIK 20, PIK 20B, and PIK    
                                             20D.                       
Glaser Dirks..............................  DG100, DG400, and DG-500M.  
Burkhart Grob.............................  G102 Astir CS, G102, G103   
                                             Twin Astir, G103 Twin II,  
                                             G103A Twin II Acro, G103C  
                                             Twin III SL, G109, and     
                                             G109B.                     
Intreprinderea ICA (Lark).................  IS-28B2 and IS-29D2.        
Rolladen Schneider........................  LS1-f and LS3-a.            
Schempp-Hirth.............................  Cirrus, Std. Cirrus, Nimbus 
                                             2, Nimbus 2B, Janus, Discus
                                             a, Ventus a/16.6.          
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Note 1: This AD applies to the L'Hotellier ball and swivel joint 
quick connectors. This AD only applies to U.S.type-certificated 
gliders and sailplanes that have the affected connectors installed. 
If the L'Hotellier connectors are not installed on a glider or 
sailplane, no action is required by the owner/operator. This AD does 
not apply to gliders and sailplanes that do not have a U.S. type 
certificate (i.e., experimental category); however, the FAA strongly 
recommends compliance with the intent of this AD for airplanes 
involved in U.S. operation where a U.S. type certificate is not 
necessary.

    Note 2: This AD applies to sailplanes and gliders equipped with 
the quick connectors identified in the preceding applicability 
provision, regardless of whether sailplane or glider has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For sailplanes and 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 within the next 30 calendar days after the 
effective date of this AD or upon installation of the affected quick 
connectors, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished 
(compliance with AD 97-08-06).
    To prevent the quick connectors from becoming inadvertently 
disconnected, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane 
or glider, accomplish the following:

    Note 3: The paragraph structure of this AD is as follows:

    Level 1: (a), (b), (c), etc.
    Level 2: (1), (2), (3), etc.
    Level 3: (i), (ii), (iii), etc.
    Level 4: (A), (B), (C), etc.

Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 structures are designations of the 
Level 1 paragraph they immediately follow.
    (a) For all sailplanes and gliders equipped with the affected 
quick connectors, accomplish the following:
    (1) For ball and swivel joint connectors with lock plates, 
accomplish the following:
    (i) If the quick connectors have a safety pin guide hole, 
utilize the existing hole and install an aviation locking device 
(safety wire or safety pin). If the hole cannot accommodate the 
locking device, enlarge the hole to a diameter not to exceed 1.2 mm 
(0.05 inch), and install the locking device.
    (A) If the locking device already fits the guide hole, then 
enlarging the hole is not necessary.
    (B) The type of aviation locking device used is at the 
discretion of the certificated mechanic based on the installation 
accessibility of the locking devices and fittings.
    (ii) If the quick connectors do not have a safety pin guide 
hole, drill a guide hole not to exceed 1.2 mm (0.05 inch) to 
accommodate the aviation locking device and install the locking 
device (Reference Figure 1). The type of aviation locking device 
used is at the discretion of the certificated mechanic based on the 
installation accessibility of the locking devices and fittings.

BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

[[Page 39103]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22JY97.008



    (2) For ball and swivel joint quick connectors with locking 
cams, accomplish the following:
    (i) If the locking cam does not have a safety pin guide hole, 
drill the hole not to exceed 1.3 mm (0.055 inch) to accommodate the 
aviation locking device and install the locking device.
    (A) When drilling the hole, assure that the ball is correctly 
inserted so that one edge of the hole is level with the main body of 
the joint and at least 1.5mm (0.0625 inch) of material is left on 
the other side.
    (B) When the ball is seated correctly, the hole is located aft 
of the centerline of the cam pivot point. (See the dashed line in 
Figure 2 of this AD).
    (C) The type of aviation locking device used is at the 
discretion of the certificated mechanic based on the installation 
accessibility of the locking devices and fittings.
    (ii) If the locking cam has a safety pin guide hole, either 
utilize the existing hole and install an aviation locking device or 
enlarge the hole to a diameter not to exceed 1.3mm (0.055 inch) to 
accommodate the appropriate aviation locking device and install the 
locking device.
    (A) When enlarging the hole, assure that the ball is correctly 
inserted so that one edge of the hole is level with the main body of 
the joint and at least 1.5mm (0.0625 inch) of material is left on 
the other side. It is recommended to have the ball and swivel joint 
connected when the hole is drilled.

[[Page 39104]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR22JY97.009



BILLING CODE 4910-13-C
    (B) When the ball is seated correctly, the hole is located aft 
of the centerline of the cam pivot point. (See the dashed line in 
Figure 2 of this AD).
    (C) The type of aviation locking device used is at the 
discretion of the certificated mechanic based on the installation 
accessibility of the locking devices and fittings.
    Note 4: The applicable aircraft manufacturer has identified 
suitable locking devices based on the aircraft's specific type 
design features. The operator may contact the U.S. aircraft company 
representative or manufacturer for any technical information related 
to this matter.

    Note 5: It is recommended, but not required by this AD, that the 
owner/operator inspect these connectors per L'Hotellier's 
``Instructions for the Maintenance L'Hotellier Ball and Swivel 
Joints.'' This technical data may be obtained from your U.S. 
sailplane dealer or from: L'Hotellier S.A., 93 Avenue Charles De 
Gaulle, 92270 Bois Colombes, France.

    (b) Fabricate and install a placard (using 1/8 inch letters) in 
the glider or sailplane, within the pilot's clear view, with the 
following words:
    ``All L'Hotellier control system connectors must be secured with 
safety wire, pins, or safety sleeves, as applicable, prior to 
operation.''
    (c) Fabricating and installing the placard as required by 
paragraph (b) 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 sailplane's or glider's records showing 
compliance with this AD in accordance with section 43.9 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations.
    (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 airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service, 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. Alternative 
methods of compliance approved in accordance with AD 97-08-06 are 
considered approved as alternative methods of compliance for this 
AD.

    Note 6: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.
    (f) Copies of this AD may be inspected at the FAA, Central 
Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 
12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
    (g) This amendment (39-10080) becomes effective on August 1, 
1997.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 9, 1997.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-18497 Filed 7-21-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U