Fuel – Wing Fuel Tank Hose – Inspections / Replacement; Placards And Markings – Installation
Superseded. Comply with 2025-0157, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must inspect the affected fuel line hose before the next flight after 24 December 2024 and then at intervals not exceeding 100 flight hours or 4 weeks. If defects are found, the hose must be replaced before further flight. Additionally, cockpit placards must be installed before the next flight after the effective date. Alternative compliance methods include disconnecting wing fuel tanks and amending the flight manual to prohibit their use.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0251-E is an emergency directive addressing Ventus-3M powered sailplanes manufactured by Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, specifically those with serial number 031 MP and above equipped with optional wing fuel tanks. The directive mandates inspections and possible replacement of the wing fuel tank hose to prevent fuel leakage. It also requires installation of cockpit placards to inform pilots of operational limitations.
What changed
This new directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the fuel line hose between the wing fuel tank and the wing water tank, with replacement required if defects are found. It also requires installation of placards in the cockpit and provides an alternative compliance method involving disconnection of wing fuel tanks and amendments to the flight manual. No previous airworthiness directive is superseded by this AD.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety hazard caused by ageing or fatigue damage to the wing fuel tank hose, which could lead to fuel leakage and engine in-flight shutdown. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent possible loss of control. The directive's interim nature means further actions may follow, requiring ongoing attention.
More for Schempp Hirth Flugzeugbau Ventus Powered Sailplanes
All 7- EASA AD 2026-0197Electrical Power – Charge Controller – ModificationOct 16, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0157Fuel — Wing Fuel Tank Hose — Inspections / Replacement / Modification; Placards And Markings — InstallationJul 21, 2025
- EASA SIB 2024-07Front Electric Sustainer Wiring — Inspection / ModificationApr 22, 2024
- EASA AD 2022-0076Aircraft Flight Manual — AmendmentApr 29, 2022
- EASA AD 2020-0063Flight Controls — Flaperon Control — Inspection / Replacement
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