Flight Controls — Horizontal Tail Elevator U-Bracket — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Schempp-Hirth sailplanes must inspect the elevator U-bracket and horizontal tail attachment before the next flight after 9 December 2022 if the sailplane falls into Group 1 (powered sailplanes with 1,000 or more flight hours since last replacement). If damage is found, corrective actions must be completed before further flight. Additionally, all powered sailplanes must have their Aircraft Flight Manual amended and pilots informed before the next flight after the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0242-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of the horizontal tail elevator U-bracket on Schempp-Hirth sailplanes, including models Arcus, Duo Discus, Nimbus-4, and their powered variants. The directive mandates inspection and corrective actions to ensure the integrity of the elevator control system and horizontal tail attachment. It applies to all serial numbers of the affected sailplanes.
What changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the elevator U-bracket and horizontal tail attachment on specified Schempp-Hirth sailplanes. It also requires corrective actions if damage is found and mandates amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual for all affected powered sailplanes. The directive is issued to address reported cracks that could compromise flight safety.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the elevator U-bracket can lead to failure of the elevator control system and horizontal tail attachment, risking loss of control of the sailplane. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and flight safety. Compliance also ensures adherence to European Union aviation regulations and avoids regulatory penalties.
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