Flight Controls

FAA Aircraft Certification Service SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS INFORMATION BULLETIN SUBJ: Flight Controls SAIB: CE-08-09 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, serial numbers 201-026 and above.

Background

Two separate occurrences of cracks have been found on the air brake control levers. Centrair maintenance programs stipulate inspection of the air brake control system for deformation and inspection of the pivoting joints for condition, as part of the annual and major inspections. The origin of these cracks has not been determined.

The Direction Generale de l’aviation Civile France (DGAC, the French aviation authority) has issued airworthiness directive (AD) number F-2004-008, dated January 21, 2004 (approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)), for those sailplanes registered for operation in Europe. That AD is based on Centrair Service Bulletin No. 201-24, original issue or later approved revision.

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. 201-24.

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]