AD 97-08-06 R1

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 thecontrol 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) 97-08-06, Amendment 39-9994 (62 FR 17537, April 10, 1997), and by adding a new AD to read as follows: