Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21154 · Cabin systems
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; and DG-1000S and DG-1000T gliders, serial numbers up to and including 10-144; certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 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 and certain Models DG-1000S and DG-1000T gliders. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the rear locking rod of the rear canopy rotating out of the threads of the operating mechanism, which could lead to blocking of the canopy emergency release system, preventing safe escape of occupants from the glider. The FAA is issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Unless already done, do the following actions:
(1) Before further flight after August 26, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), revise the flight manual for your glider by inserting the flight manual pages listed in Instruction 5 of DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note (TN) No. 1000/42, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019, and TN No. 500/13, Document No. TM1000-42 FE-29-01, Issue 01.b, dated September 11, 2019, which are co-published as one document (TM1000-42 FE-29-01). This action 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) through (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.
(2) Before further flight after August 26, 2020 (the effective date of this AD), and thereafter at each annual inspection, inspect the rear locking rods of the front and rear canopy and repair any discrepancies by following Instructions 1 through 3 in TM1000-42 FE-29-01.
