SAIB CE-04-49

1 SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN

Aircraft Certification Service Washington, DC

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

CE-04-49 January 23, 2004 www.faa.gov - Search "SAIBs" This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) alerts you, owners and operators of CENTRAIR 101 gliders, all models and all serial numbers, that DIRECTION GENERALE DE L’AVIATION CIVILE (DGAC) has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2003-042(A) dated February 5, 2003. The DGAC AD and CENTRAIR Service Bulletin (SB) 101-20 require replacement of the forward wheel fork fittings on the stationary landing gear with reinforced fittings.

Background

CENTRAIR reported cracks on the forward wheel fork fittings of the stationary landing gear, part number $Y123A. The cracks may result from maneuvers occurring in airfields with poor conditions. These cracks could lead to the collapse of the landing gear, which could lead to loss of control during take off or landing.

The DGAC AD requires replacing part number (P/N) $Y123A, with reinforced fork fittings P/Ns $Y123B and $Y123C at the next annual check or within 6 months.

Recommendation

We recommend that you accomplish the actions SB No. 101-20. We’ve attached the SB for information and details.

For Further Information Contact

Carrie Beach, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Room 301, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4140; facsimile: (816) 329-4090; email [email protected]

Société Nouvelle CENTRAIR, Aérodrome – 36300 LE BLANC, FRANCE; phone 33.2.54.37.07.96; fax: 33.2.54.37.48.64.

2