Flight Controls

FAA Aircraft Certification Service SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Flight Controls SAIB: CE-08-08 Date: November 26, 2007 This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.

Introduction

This Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin informs you of an airworthiness concern for Société Nouvelle Centrair Model 201 gliders, all serial numbers.

Background

Improper maintenance in the airbrake control linkage may have contributed to a crack in the airbrake lever and interference between the airbrake plate and the airbrake locking crank.

The Direction Generale de l’aviation Civile France (DGAC, the French aviation authority) has issued airworthiness directive (AD) number F-2007-011 dated October 24, 2007, for those sailplanes registered for operation in France. That AD is based on Centrair Service Bulletin No. 201-30, original issue or later approved revision, and requires an immediate inspection of the moving parts of the airbrake control for clearance and cracks with replacement if any damage is found.

At this time, this airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition that would warrant AD action under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) part 39.

Recommendations

We recommend all owners and operators comply with actions outlined in Centrair Service Bulletin No. 201-30.

For Further Information Contact

Gregory Davison, Aerospace Engineer, FAA Small Airplane Directorate, Room 301, 901 Locust Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4130; facsimile: (816) 329-4090; email: [email protected]

For Related Service Information Contact

Société Nouvelle Centrair Aerodrome -36300 Le Blanc, France Phone: +011 33 2 5437 0796 Fax: +011 33 2 5437 4864 [email protected]