EASA AD 2021-0243
Landing Gear — Tailwheel Cable — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0243 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting M&D Flugzeugbau GmbH & Co. KG JS-MD 3 (powered) sailplanes with serial numbers up to 3.MD064 inclusive. The directive addresses a safety issue related to the tailwheel cable on these sailplanes. It mandates a modification to install a tension spring on the tailwheel cable to prevent interference with the fuel pump and landing gear control cable.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory modification requiring the installation of a tension spring on the tailwheel cable of affected JS-MD 3 powered sailplanes. The modification aims to stabilize the tailwheel cable and prevent it from becoming slack, which could interfere with critical systems. The directive also provides credit for prior compliance if the modification was done according to earlier service bulletin revisions.
Why It Matters
This directive is important for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to landing gear extension failure, causing damage to the aircraft and possible injury to occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Compliance with this AD is essential to avoid operational restrictions and ensure continued legal operation of the affected sailplanes.
What To Do
Operators of JS-MD 3 powered sailplanes must install the tension spring on the tailwheel cable during the next scheduled maintenance or within 12 months from the effective date of 22 November 2021, whichever occurs first. The installation must follow the instructions in M&D Flugzeugbau GmbH & Co. KG Service Bulletin SB-MD10-007 Revision 2 and associated Work Instructions. Prior modifications done according to earlier revisions of the service bulletin are acceptable for compliance.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.