Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14415 · Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa “PZL-Bielsko” Model SZD-50-3 “Puchacz” Gliders
Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa “PZL-Bielsko” Model SZD-50-3 “Puchacz” Gliders
This AD affects Model SZD-50-3 “Puchacz” gliders, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category.
The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Przedsiebiorstwo Doswiadczalno-Produkcyjne Szybownictwa "PZL-Bielsko" Model SZD-50-3 "Puchacz" gliders. This AD requires you to perform a visual inspection of the turnbuckle link for cracks or wear and replace if cracks or wear is found. This action only applies to those gliders where the turnbuckle is directly connected to the pedal. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Poland. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the turnbuckle link, which could result in failure of the rudder cable. This failure could lead to loss of control of the glider.
To address this problem, you must do the following on gliders where the turnbuckle is directly connected to the pedal:
| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| (1) Visually inspect the turnbuckle end for cracks or wear. Use a 10X magnifying glass. The magnifying power in this AD takes precedence over the magnifying power stated in Allstar PZL Glider Ltd. Bulletin No. BE-054/SZD-50-3/2003 “Puchacz.” Inspection is not required on gliders where additional short cables between the rear seat pedal and turnbuckle have been installed | Initially within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS) after January 27, 2006 (the effective date of this AD), and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS | Follow Allstar PZL Glider Ltd. Bulletin No. BE-054/SZD-50-3/2003 “Puchacz,” as approved by Civil Aviation Office Airworthiness Directive No. SP-0012-2004-A, dated February 5, 2004. |
| (2) If cracks or wear is found during any inspection required by this AD, replace the turnbuckle end. The turnbuckle must have a steel end and support a maximum load of 6,100 newtons (converts to 1,371 pounds of force), following Allstar PZL Glider Ltd. Bulletin No. BE-054/SZD-50-3/2003 “Puchacz.” | Prior to further light after the inspection where cracks or wear is found | Follow the procedures in the maintenance manual. |
