Flight Controls — Airbrake Control — Inspection / Modification
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the airbrake bell cranks and drive funnels within 40 days of 12 December 2022 and then every 100 flight hours thereafter, following the Schempp-Hirth Technical Note 349-43. Any detected damage must be corrected before the next flight. Additionally, the airbrake bell cranks and drive funnels must be replaced with reinforced parts within 12 months of 12 December 2022 if not already accomplished. Completion of the replacement terminates the repetitive inspection requirement.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0229 is an airworthiness directive affecting all serial numbers of the Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2a and Ventus-2b sailplanes. It addresses potential damage to the airbrake control system components, specifically the airbrake bell cranks and drive funnels, which could lead to uncommanded airbrake deployment and reduced sailplane control. The directive mandates inspections and modifications to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0229 introduces new requirements for repetitive inspections of the airbrake bell cranks and drive funnels for damage and clearance issues, as well as corrective actions if discrepancies are found. It also requires replacement of these components with reinforced parts within 12 months unless already done. This AD does not supersede any previous directives.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential unsafe conditions caused by excessive loads on the airbrake control system. Compliance ensures the integrity of flight controls, preventing uncommanded airbrake deployment that could compromise sailplane control and safety. It also provides clear instructions for inspections and modifications to maintain regulatory compliance and airworthiness.
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