Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23253 · Elevator structure
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders, serial numbers 21, 23, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36 through 52, and 54 through 120, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal tailplane drive fitting. This AD requires inspecting the elevator drive fitting to determine the type of lower ball bearing installed, and depending upon the results, replacing the lower ball bearing with a serviceable part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
For the purpose of this AD, the definitions in paragraphs (g)(1) and (2) of this AD apply.
(1) An “affected part” is as identified in SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 278-25, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2024 (SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1): EL6 lower ball bearing (identified as type 1a) or self-aligning lower ball bearing (identified as type 1b) of the elevator drive fitting.
(2) A “serviceable part” is as identified in SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1: Lower bearing ring with inner bronze bushing having part number HS4-30.013/1 (identified as type 1d).
(1) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the elevator drive fitting to determine if an affected part is installed, in accordance with the instructions of Actions 1. in SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1. A review of glider maintenance records instead of this inspection is acceptable provided it can be conclusively determined from that review if an affected part is installed.
(2) If, during the inspection or maintenance records review required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, it is determined that an affected part is installed, within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of Actions 2. of SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1.
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.
