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AD 2026-04348

Published 2026-03-05 · 1 model · 15 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register

Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders Federal Register ↗

Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal tailplane drive fitting. This AD requires inspecting the elevator drive fitting to determine the type of lower ball bearing installed, and depending upon the results, replacing the lower ball bearing with a serviceable part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Applicability · by US fleet size

Federal Register text

Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 91 FR 10746. View on Federal Register ↗

[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 43 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 10746-10748] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-04348]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G; Amendment 39-23253; AD 2026-03-04] RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal tailplane drive fitting. This AD requires inspecting the elevator drive fitting to determine the type of lower ball bearing installed, and depending upon the results, replacing the lower ball bearing with a serviceable part. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9, 2026.