EASA AD 2020-0121
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0138
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0121 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting various Grob sailplanes including ASTIR CS series, CLUB ASTIR II, TWIN ASTIR models, and G 103 series powered and unpowered sailplanes. The directive addresses the inspection and potential replacement of the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin to prevent corrosion-related failures. This AD applies to all serial numbers of the specified models and mandates inspection procedures defined by Fiberglas-Technik R. Lindner GmbH & Co. KG.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0121 introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the elevator control pushrod in the vertical fin of affected Grob sailplanes. If corrosion or defects are found during inspection, the affected pushrod must be replaced with a serviceable part before further flight. The directive also allows installation of only serviceable elevator control pushrods from the effective date onward.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as corrosion in the elevator control pushrod can lead to structural weakening and potential loss of control of the sailplane. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. Timely inspections and corrective actions help prevent in-flight failures and ensure regulatory compliance under EU aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators of affected Grob sailplanes must inspect the elevator control pushrod within 25 flight hours or 2 months from 1 June 2020, whichever occurs first. If any corrosion or damage is detected, the pushrod must be replaced with a serviceable part before the next flight. Only serviceable elevator control pushrods may be installed on these sailplanes after the effective date.
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