Landing Gear — Electrical Landing Gear Control — Inspection / Modification
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must inspect the landing gear actuation lever and perform adjustment checks before the next flight after 14 June 2023. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before further flight. Within 90 days of 14 June 2023, the landing gear control unit firmware must be updated to version 4.33, and the Aircraft Flight Manual must be amended accordingly. After modification, any installed landing gear control unit must have firmware version 4.33 or later before flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0116 is an official regulatory document addressing the electrical landing gear control system on Schempp-Hirth Arcus T and Arcus M powered sailplanes. It applies specifically to Arcus M sailplanes with serial numbers 215 to 269 and Arcus T sailplanes with serial numbers 89 to 106. The directive mandates inspection, modification, firmware update, and Aircraft Flight Manual amendments to ensure safe operation of the landing gear system.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces a one-time inspection of the landing gear actuation lever and adjustment checks, followed by firmware updates to version 4.33 of the landing gear control unit. It also requires modification of the landing gear control unit and amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual to address potential damage and misadjustment risks. The directive establishes compliance procedures and timelines for these actions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to landing gear failure, potentially causing damage to the sailplane and injury to occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The firmware update and manual amendments also affect ongoing maintenance and operational procedures.
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