EASA AD 2020-0260
Flight Controls — Elevator Connection — Modification / Aircraft Flight Manual — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0260 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Schempp-Hirth sailplanes including Janus, Mini-Nimbus HS 7, Nimbus-2, Standard Cirrus variants, and Nimbus-2M powered sailplanes. The directive addresses a safety issue related to the elevator connection on these aircraft models. It mandates modifications to the flight controls and amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0260 introduces a requirement to install an optical indicator on the elevator connection of the affected sailplanes to ensure proper locking. It also requires updating the Aircraft Flight Manual with new operational instructions. These changes are intended to prevent elevator disconnection during flight.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential loss of elevator control, which could lead to loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance. The amendment to the flight manual also requires pilots to be informed and operate the aircraft accordingly, impacting operational procedures.
What To Do
Affected operators must modify the elevator connection by installing the optical indicator within 90 days of 10 December 2020, the effective date of the directive. Concurrently, they must amend the Aircraft Flight Manual as per the Schempp-Hirth Technical Note and inform all pilots of the changes. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to continue operating the affected sailplanes.
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