EASA SIB 2024-07
Front Electric Sustainer Wiring — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2024-07 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing inspection and modification of the Front Electric Sustainer (FES) wiring on specific powered sailplanes. The affected aircraft include the Discus-2cFES, Ventus-2cFES, Ventus-2c modified with FES under EASA flight conditions 60037733, and Ventus-3F powered sailplanes. The bulletin highlights a potential issue with brass screws used in the FES wiring that may fail due to excessive tightening torque.
What Changed
EASA SIB 2024-07 introduces a recommendation for operators to inspect the FES wiring for the presence of brass screws fixing the cable to the shunt between the battery negative pole and the controller. If brass screws are found, they should be replaced with steel screws following Schempp-Hirth technical notes. This bulletin does not mandate an Airworthiness Directive but provides important maintenance guidance.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because failure of the brass screws could lead to loss of the FES system in flight, potentially affecting the auxiliary power source of the sailplane. Although the FES is not a critical system, ensuring the integrity of its wiring helps maintain operational reliability and safety. Maintenance and compliance teams need to be aware of this issue to prevent in-flight power loss and avoid unnecessary regulatory actions.
What To Do
Operators of the affected powered sailplanes should inspect the FES wiring to determine if brass screws are installed at the specified location. If brass screws are found, they must be replaced with steel screws in accordance with the applicable Schempp-Hirth technical notes. There is no mandatory compliance deadline as this bulletin provides recommendations only.