EASA AD 2025-0157
Fuel — Wing Fuel Tank Hose — Inspections / Replacement / Modification; Placards And Markings — Installation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0157 addresses inspection, replacement, and modification requirements for the wing fuel tank hose on Schempp-Hirth Ventus-3M powered sailplanes with serial numbers 031 MP through 253 MP equipped with optional wing fuel tanks. It also mandates the installation of placards and markings related to this component. The directive targets the fuel line hose NW 7.3x3-3E ECO DIN73379-1 and introduces an improved fuel line hose M16FT862 as a replacement part.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0157 supersedes the previous AD 2024-0251-E and retains its inspection and placard installation requirements while introducing a mandatory replacement of the affected fuel line hose with an improved part within 17 months. The directive updates the technical instructions by referencing Schempp-Hirth Technical Note Revision 2 and allows removal of placards and AFM amendments after modification. It also clarifies installation rules for affected and improved parts post-modification.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the airworthiness and safety of affected Ventus-3M powered sailplanes by preventing fuel leaks caused by ageing or fatigue damage of the wing fuel tank hose. Compliance helps avoid potential engine in-flight shutdowns and loss of control, which are serious safety risks. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections, corrective actions, and part replacements to meet regulatory requirements and maintain safe operation.
What To Do
Operators must inspect the affected fuel line hose before the next flight after 24 December 2024 and at intervals not exceeding 100 flight hours or 4 weeks. Any discrepancies require immediate replacement with a serviceable or improved part. Placards must be installed in the cockpit before the next flight after 24 December 2024. The affected hose must be replaced with the improved part within 17 months of 4 August 2025, the effective date of this AD. After modification, placards and AFM amendments can be removed, and installation of affected parts is prohibited.