Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16994 · Fuselage
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and DG-500MB gliders, all serial numbers (S/N), certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/ 20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and DG-500MB 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 damage to the bulkhead of the glider's center of gravity (CG) tow hook that, if not detected and corrected, may lead to failure of the fiberglass structure during a winch launch. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) For all gliders: Within 30 days after May 4, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), inspect the bulkhead of the CG tow hook and the bulkhead's glued joints for damage following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011.
(2) For all gliders: If you find damage during the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, reinforce the bulkhead of the CG tow hook following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011.
(3) For all gliders: Unless already done as required by paragraph (f)(2) of this AD, within 5 months after May 4, 2012 (the effective date of this AD), reinforce the bulkhead of the CG tow hook following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011.
(4) For gliders with S/N 5E1 through S/N 5E23: While doing the modification required by paragraph (f)(2) or (f)(3) of this AD, install a new adapted tow hook access cover following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011.
(5) For all gliders: Although the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) MCAI and DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011, allow the inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to be done by a pilot-owner, the U.S. regulatory system requires all actions of this AD to be done by a certified mechanic.
