AD 86-02-04

86-02-04 CENTRAIR SAILPLANES: Amendment 39-5208. Applies to Centrair Model 101, 101A, 101P and 101AP gliders certificated in any category.

Compliance is required within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.

To prevent unintended release of the tow cable hook during takeoff, accomplish the following in accordance with figures 1 and 2:

(a) Insure that the tow release cable guide is mounted on the back of the bulkhead (fig. 2). If the guide is mounted on the front of the bulkhead (fig. 1), remount it on the back.

(b) Check dimension A (fig. 2) for proper neutral travel. (A minimum of 13/64" and a maximum of 18/64".) If dimension A is not found to be within this range:

(1) On gliders equipped with a rear tow hook only, adjust the threaded end fittings (no. 1, fig. 2).

(2) On gliders equipped with a front tow hook only, replace the cable (no. 4, fig. 2) with a new one (Centrair P/N 101 150 0003 025).

(3) On gliders with front and rear hooks replace the cable (no. 4, fig. 2) with a new one (Centrair P/N 101 150 0003 025) and adjust the threaded end fittings so that the tension is identical on the two hooks and they release together.

(c) After completing paragraph (b), check dimension B (fig. 2) for proper neutral travel (a minimum of 30/64" and a maximum of 35/64"). If dimension B is not found to be within this range:

(1) On gliders with a rear tow hook only and with a plastic tube between the release cable fitting and the cable guide (no. 3, fig. 2) adjust by shortening the plastic tube and/or adjusting the threaded end fittings (no. 1, fig. 2). If there is no plastic tube, adjust the threaded end fittings. If proper neutral travel cannot be obtained, replace the control cable (no. 2, fig. 2) with a new one (Centrair P/N 101 150 0003 024).

(2) On gliders with front and rear hooks, or with a front hook only, and with the plastic tube, shorten the tube. If there is no tube or no neutral travel cannot be obtained, replace the control cable (no. 2, fig. 2) with a new one (Centrair P/N 101 150 0003 024).

(3) Repeat paragraphs (b) and (c) to determine that the proper ranges of neutral travel for dimensions A and B (fig. 2) are simultaneously met.

NOTE: Centrair SB No. 101-5 dated December 19, 1984, addresses this subject.

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, Federal Aviation Administration, c/o American Embassy, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, telephone 513.38.30, x2710.

Upon submission of substantiating data by an owner or operator through an FAA maintenance inspector, the Manager, Brussels Aircraft Certification Office may adjust the compliance time specified in this AD.

This amendment becomes effective on January 14, 1986.

AD 86-02-04

INCORRECT INSTALLATION Cableguide mounted on the front of the bulkhead