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

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.