# AD 98-09-09: Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher GmbH Segelflugzeugbau Model ASH-26E Sailplanes - Type: Airworthiness directive - Effective: June 1, 1998 - Published: April 24, 1998, 63 FR 20308–20309 - Issued as: Final rule - Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD - Amendment: 39-10489 - Docket: 97-CE-118-AD - Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/5b/78/5b78aec6c8057f22197f88a4887983f5d443eab3f0775a6703065c7d315c2a29 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-1998-04-24/pdf/98-10593.pdf) - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/1998/04/24/98-10593/airworthiness-directives-alexander-schleicher-gmbh-segelflugzeugbau-model-ash-26e-sailplanes - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-09-09 ## Summary This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Alexander Schleicher GmbH Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher) Model ASH-26E sailplanes. This AD requires replacing the internal cooling air fan with a fan that incorporates a certain modification. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the internal cooling system air fan caused by the impeller slipping, which could result in loss of compression and power and possible engine failure. ## The airworthiness directive ### PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. ### Sec. 39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD) to read as follows: 98-09-09 Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau: Amendment 39-10489; Docket No. 97-CE-118-AD. Applicability: Model ASH-26E sailplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For sailplanes 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 (c) 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 6 calendar months after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished. To prevent failure of the internal cooling system air fan caused by the impeller slipping, which could result in loss of compression and power and possible engine failure, accomplish the following: ### (a) (a) Replace the internal cooling air fan with a fan that incorporates Modification Kit R1K555A in accordance with Mid-West Engines Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 001, dated October 5, 1996, as referenced in Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996. Note 2: Modification Kit R1K555A includes the following provisions: --A positive lock between the fan and spindle; --A cable tie wrap for fan delivery duct sealing; and --A smaller driven pulley on the fan spindle. Note 3: Although not required by this AD, the FAA recommends accomplishing in-flight temperature checks of the internal cooling air fan during each flight until the modification required by paragraph (a) of this AD is incorporated. These in-flight temperature checks are specified in Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996, and are required by German AD No. 97-009, dated January 30, 1997, for sailplanes on the German registry. ### (b) (b) 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 sailplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. ### (c) (c) 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, 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. Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate. ### (d) (d) Questions or technical information related to Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996; and Mid-West Engines Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 001, dated October 5, 1996, should be directed to Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. This service information may be examined at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. ### (e) (e) The replacement and modification required by this AD shall be done in accordance with Mid-West Engines Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 001, dated October 5, 1996, as referenced in Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in German AD No. 97-009, dated January 30, 1997. ### (f) (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 1, 1998. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 15, 1997. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. ## Rule preamble ### Dates Effective June 1, 1998. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 1, 1998. ### Addresses Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau, 6416 Poppenhausen, Wasserkuppe, Federal Republic of Germany; telephone: 49.6658.890 or 49.6658.8920; facsimile: 49.6658.8923 or 49.6658.8940. This information may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-CE-118-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. ### For further information contact Mr. J. Mike Kiesov, Project Officer, Sailplanes/Gliders, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 426-6932; facsimile: (816) 426-2169. ### Events Leading to the Issuance of This AD A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to Alexander Schleicher Model ASH-26E sailplanes was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on February 2, 1998 (63 FR 5322). The NPRM proposed to require replacing the internal cooling air fan with a fan that incorporates a certain modification. Accomplishment of the proposed action as specified in the NPRM would be in accordance with Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996; and Mid-West Engines Ltd. Service Bulletin No. 001, dated October 5, 1996. The NPRM was the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. ### The FAA's Determination After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed. ### Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 8 sailplanes in the U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 13 workhours per sailplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $380 per sailplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $9,280, or $1,160 per sailplane. ### Differences Between the Service Bulletin, German AD, and This AD Alexander Schleicher Technical Note No. 1, dated October 31, 1996, specifies in-flight temperature checks of the internal cooling air fan during each flight until the modification is accomplished. German AD No. 97-009, dated January 30, 1997, also requires these in-flight checks until accomplishment of the modification. The FAA does not have justification to require in-flight checks during each flight through AD action. The FAA suggests that the affected sailplane owners/operators have these checks accomplished, and the FAA is adding a note to the AD to recommend such action. ### Compliance Time of this AD The unsafe condition described in this AD can happen at any time and is not based on the number of hours the sailplane is in operation. With this in mind, the compliance of this AD is presented in calendar time instead of hours time-in-service (TIS). ### Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action: (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES. ### List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. ### Adoption of the Amendment 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: ## Related documents - [Proposed rule 97-CE-118-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/97-CE-118-AD): Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published Feb 2, 1998 Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.