EASA AD 2019-0079
Flight Controls — Air Brake Control — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0079 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Schempp-Hirth Ventus c, Ventus cT, and Ventus cM sailplanes and powered sailplanes. The directive addresses inspection and replacement requirements for the air brake control system to prevent damage and potential uncommanded airbrake deployment.
What Changed
This new directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the airbrake bell cranks and drive funnels, as well as clearance checks of the airbrake control system. It also requires replacement of the airbrake drive funnels with reinforced parts within 12 months if damage is detected or as a preventive measure.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safe operation of affected sailplanes. Failure to comply could lead to uncommanded airbrake deployment, reduced controllability, and potential injury or damage. Operators and maintenance teams must incorporate these inspections and modifications into their maintenance programs to remain compliant and safe.
What To Do
Operators must perform an initial inspection within 40 days of the directive's effective date and repeat inspections every 100 flight hours thereafter. If any damage or discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Additionally, the airbrake drive funnels must be replaced with reinforced versions within 12 months of the effective date unless already done as part of corrective actions.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.