EASA AD 2025-0056
Flight Manual — Supplements — Amendment; Placards and Markings — Cockpit Data Placard and Airspeed Correction Placard — Replacement; Indicating / Recording System — Airspeed Indicator — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0056 is issued for DG AVIATION GmbH DG-300 series sailplanes, including DG-300 ELAN, DG-300 ELAN ACRO, DG-300 CLUB ELAN, and DG-300 CLUB ELAN ACRO models. This directive addresses modifications to the flight manual supplements, replacement of cockpit data and airspeed correction placards, and changes to the airspeed indicator markings. The directive applies to all serial numbers of these sailplanes.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0056 introduces amendments to the flight manual supplements, replaces the cockpit data and airspeed correction placards, and modifies the airspeed indicator for DG-300 series sailplanes equipped with winglets. It establishes two groups of sailplanes based on winglet installation status and requires specific compliance actions for each group. The directive also prohibits flight with water ballast when winglets are installed and reduces the never exceed speed (V_NE) to address flutter issues observed during certification testing.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures compliance with certification requirements related to airspeed envelope safety for DG-300 sailplanes fitted with winglets. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these changes to prevent unsafe flight conditions caused by flutter at high speeds. Compliance with this AD is mandatory to maintain the continuing airworthiness and legal operation of affected sailplanes within EASA jurisdiction.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 sailplanes must amend the flight manual, replace the cockpit data and airspeed correction placards, and modify the airspeed indicator markings before the next flight with winglets or within 60 days of the effective date, whichever occurs first. For Group 2 sailplanes, winglet installation is permitted only if all Group 1 requirements are simultaneously met. All flight crews must be informed of the changes and operate the sailplanes accordingly.