Wings — Root Ribs — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0187
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of ASW 15 sailplanes must inspect affected wing root ribs within 30 days after 23 August 2021, and ASW 15B operators must inspect within 30 days after 25 July 2022. Inspections must be repeated every 12 months thereafter. Any damaged affected parts must be replaced with improved laminated ribs before the next flight. Complete replacement of all affected ribs with improved parts terminates the repetitive inspection requirement.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0146 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the wooden wing root ribs on Alexander Schleicher ASW 15 and ASW 15B sailplanes. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of affected wooden wing root ribs to ensure structural integrity. The directive applies to all serial numbers of these sailplanes and specifies part numbers for improved laminated ribs.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0146 supersedes the previous AD 2021-0187 and expands the applicability to include ASW 15B sailplanes in addition to ASW 15. It retains the inspection and replacement requirements for affected wooden wing root ribs and introduces updated technical notes for inspection procedures. The directive also clarifies installation rules for improved parts and updates compliance timelines.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to maintain the structural safety of ASW 15 and ASW 15B sailplanes by addressing aging-related damage in wooden wing root ribs. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with inspection intervals and corrective actions to prevent potential structural failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, reducing safety risks associated with aging components.
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New ADs and bulletins for Schleicher, Alexander ASW 15, Alexander Schleicher ASW 15 and Alexander Schleicher ASW 15B, summarized like this page, every Monday.