AD 2021-24-19 Requires Updating The ECU Software

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2625 02i engine installed.

This AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as an error in the engine control unit (ECU) software. This AD requires updating the ECU software. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective January 27, 2022.

Supplementary Information: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Model DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders with a Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2625 02i engine installed. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on September 17, 2021 (86 FR 51838). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI originated by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued EASA AD 2020-0056, dated March 13, 2020 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address an unsafe condition on Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Solo Model 2625 02 engines, variation 02i with electronic fuel injection, installed on but not limited to Binder Motorenbau, DG-Flugzeugbau, and Schempp-Hirth powered sailplanes (gliders).

The MCAI states:

• An error was found in the ECU affected SW [software] that can cause brief injection of fuel into one cylinder when the ECU is activated.
• This condition, if not corrected, could increase the time needed to (re)start the engine in flight, possibly resulting in reduced control of the powered sailplane.
• To address this potential unsafe condition, SOLO Kleinmotoren GmbH, together with the ECU manufactuerer [sic], developed an ECU SW update and issued the SB [service bulletin] accordingly, providing installation instructions.
• For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires an update of the ECU software.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0792.

The Model 2625 02i engine does not have an FAA type certificate. For Model DG-1000M gliders, this engine is part of the glider type certification. For Model DG-500MB gliders, this engine may be installed as a Model 2525 02 engine modified with a fuel injection system and re-identified as a Model 2625 02i engine.

FMI: www.regulations.gov