Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16372 · Water ballast
GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III Gliders
This AD applies to GROB-WERKE GMBH & CO KG Models G102 ASTIR CS and G102 STANDARD ASTIR III gliders, all serial numbers, that are:
(1) certificated in any category; and
(2) have water ballast equipment installed (the water ballast equipment could have been included as part of an option).
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Within 30 days after September 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD) and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 12 months, inspect the bonding between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors for correct and tight connection following paragraph 1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-GROB-003, dated October 21, 2009.
(2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, any weak bonding is found, before further flight, repair the connection between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors following the instructions of paragraph 1.8 of Grob Aircraft Service Bulletin No. MSB-GROB-003, dated October 21, 2009.
(3) After September 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), when installing a water ballast system on any affected sailplane, ensure that the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connector are properly and tightly bonded.
(4) Within 30 days after September 9, 2010 (the effective date of this AD), insert the following scheduled maintenance task into the FAA-approved aircraft maintenance program: “During each annual inspection and without exceeding a 12-month interval, inspect the bonding between the water ballast system hose connectors and the fuselage wall connectors for correct and tight connection. Repair any incorrect or loose connection.”
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
