EASA AD 2025-0136-E
Powerplant — Retractable Electric Propulsion System — Operation Prohibition / Sailplane Operation Restriction
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0136-E is an emergency directive addressing the JS-MD 3 RES powered sailplanes manufactured by M&D Flugzeugbau GmbH & Co. KG. It prohibits the operation of the retractable electric propulsion system due to reported failures in the electrical propulsion system control unit. The directive also allows continued operation of the sailplane without the electric propulsion system under specific conditions.
What Changed
This new directive introduces a prohibition on using the electric propulsion system on all JS-MD 3 RES powered sailplanes effective from 1 July 2025. It mandates removal of high voltage batteries, installation of specific placards, and amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual and its supplement to allow operation without the propulsion system. These measures are intended to mitigate risks associated with propulsion system failures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to loss of engine control or degraded gliding performance during flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to adhere could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
From 1 July 2025, operators must cease use of the electric propulsion system on JS-MD 3 RES sailplanes. They must amend the Aircraft Flight Manual and supplement, remove high voltage batteries, install battery locks, and place required 'Motor INOP' and 'Extension of motor prohibited' placards as specified in MD Service Bulletin SB-MD11-006 Revision 02. Compliance with these actions is mandatory before further operation without the propulsion system.