Flight Controls — Automatic Elevator Connection — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected DG sailplanes must perform an operational check of the automatic elevator hook-up free play within three months of 16 July 2024. Group 1 sailplanes require mandatory replacement of the elevator rod end within the same timeframe. Any discrepancies found during checks must be corrected before the next flight by replacing affected parts and adjusting free play as per DG Aviation Technical Notes and revised maintenance manuals.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0126 addresses the inspection and replacement of automatic elevator connection components on DG Aviation GmbH sailplanes and powered sailplanes, including models DG-100 through DG-1000 series. The directive targets elevator pushrod ends and rollers to prevent potential loss of pitch control due to fatigue failure. It applies to all serial numbers except those equipped with l’Hotellier connections.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory operational checks of the automatic elevator hook-up free play and requires replacement of affected elevator rod ends and rollers based on findings. It also mandates a one-time replacement of the elevator rod end for Group 1 sailplanes and updates maintenance manual tasks accordingly.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential elevator control failures caused by fatigue cracks not detectable by visual or non-destructive testing. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain safe flight control functionality and avoid loss of pitch control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for affected DG sailplanes.
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