Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16913 · Nacelles/pylons
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau Discus 2cT gliders, serial numbers 1 through 35, certificated in any category, except those on which a engine pylon, part number (P/N) M03RT841, is installed.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Discus 2cT gliders. 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 small cracks which have been found on engine pylons in the area of the lower engine support that have not been detected during the standard daily inspection. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to an engine pylon failure resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, replace the daily inspection pages of the airplane flight manual following Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 863-20 Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011. The actions required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1)-(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. All other actions in this AD must be done by a properly certificated aircraft mechanic.
(2) Before further flight after doing the action in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 12 months, inspect the engine pylon for damage or cracks, following the daily inspection instructions as amended by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 863-20 Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011.
(3) If during the daily inspections in the instructions amended by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 863-20 Revision 1, dated July 27, 2011, in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD or the inspections required in paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, any damage or crack is found on the engine pylon, before further flight, replace the engine pylon with an engine pylon part number M03RT841 following Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 863-14, dated July 18, 2006.
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: In addition to the daily pilot inspections of the engine pylon required by the foreign authority, the FAA also requires an initial and annual repetitive inspection by a properly certificated aircraft mechanic.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
