EASA AD 2018-0032
Flight Controls — Air Brake Control Handle — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0032 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting DG Flugzeugbau GmbH LS 4-b sailplanes. It mandates inspection and modification of the air brake control handle to ensure the integrity of the air brake junction and rivets. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the LS 4-b sailplane model.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for cracks and looseness in the air brake junction welding and rivets, followed by a mandatory modification of the air brake control system if discrepancies are found. It requires installation of a swivel similar to the LS 4-a design to prevent lateral loads from compromising the air brake junction.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and safe operation of the air brake system on LS 4-b sailplanes. Failure to comply could lead to air brake control loss, posing a safety risk. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and modifications to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators must inspect the air brake junction and rivets within 30 days of 1 March 2018, following DG Flugzeugbau Technical Note 4048 instructions. If any defects are found, the air brake control system must be modified before the next flight. If no defects are found, the modification must still be completed within four months of the effective date.
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