AD 2022-14-14 Requires Repetitively Inspecting The Wing Root Ribs For Cracks, Looseness, And Damage...

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI identifies the unsafe condition as wing root damage. This AD requires repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective August 25, 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 Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW-15 gliders. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 23, 2022 (87 FR 16433). The NPRM was prompted by MCAI from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union. EASA issued AD 2021-0187, dated August 9, 2021 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to address an unsafe condition on all Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. Segelflugzeugbau Model ASW 15 gliders.

The MCAI states: 

• Occurrences were reported of finding wing root rib damage. Investigation is ongoing to determine the root cause of the damage. 
• This condition, if not detected and corrected, could reduce the structural integrity of the wing assembly of the sailplane. 
• To address this potential unsafe condition, Schleicher issued the TN [technical note] to provide inspection instructions. 
• For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires repetitive inspections of each affected part and, depending on findings, replacement. This [EASA] AD also introduces restrictions for installation of an affected part.  

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2022-0288. 

In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitively inspecting the wing root ribs for cracks, looseness, and damage and replacing any root rib with a crack, a loose rib or lift pin bushing, or any damage. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged root ribs. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the wing assembly, which could lead to loss of control of the glider.

FMI: www.regulations.gov