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Airworthiness News Archive For the latest news, please go to the news page. December Updates 19th December 2006 The January 2007 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. MT Fixed and Variable Propellers 15th November 2006 EASA have issued AD 2006-0345 for Daily and 100 hour repeat inspections of MT fixed and variable pitch propellers leading edge metal erosion sheath and leading edge protective tape. http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2006_0345.pdf/AD_2006-0345_1 Binder ASH 25 EB 28 15th November 2006 EASA have issued AD 2006-0346-E for before next flight Vne restriction and inspection of elevator control and pushrod not later than next annual check. http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2006_0346_E.pdf/EAD_2006-0346-E_1 November Updates 13th November 2006 The November 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. SZD 50-3 Puchacz Rudder Control Modification 19th October 2006 EASA have issued AD 2006-0317 for the modification of the rear position rudder cables and introduction of castellated nut and split pin to the pedal connection. Please note that the reference to "Rod" in the SB in fact relates to Control Cable. http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2006-0317 For the service bulletin click here (Note: the SB is an advance, unsigned copy received from the TC holder). Compliance by 30 January 2007. Gliders having embodied mod BGA2004/13 are considered to be in compliance with part 4.2 of the service bulletin. Rotax 912 and 914 Magnetic Plug Inspection 19th October 2006 EASA have issued AD 2006-0316-E for a before flight and repeat inspections at oil change of the magnetic plug. http://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2006-0316-E Stemme S10 Coolant AD Correction 16th October 2006 EASA have corrected AD 2006-0311-E please download the latest version http://ad.easa.eu.int/files/easa_ad_2006_0311_E[Corrected].pdf Stemme S10 Engine Fuel Connector and Coolant 13th October 2006 EASA have issued two "Before Next Flight" Airworthiness Directives for the Stemme S10 series. AD 2006-0310-E (All models) and SB A31-10-077 Leaking fuel connector http://ad.easa.eu.int/files/easa_ad_2006_0310_E.pdf AD 2006-0311-E (S10-VT) and SB A31-10-076 Coolant replacement http://ad.easa.eu.int/files/easa_ad_2006_0311_E[Corrected].pdf Schempp-Hirth Duo Discus T and Nimbus 4DT Propeller 2nd October 2006 EASA have issue AD 2006-0294-E for before flight inspection and overhaul of propellers fitted to the above aircraft. SZD 50-3 Puchacz Rudder Attachment 2nd October 2006 A recent EASA AD required an inspection of the rudder lower attachment nut. A recent incident has highlighted a possible safety concern where a Puchacz lost the rudder on landing. See BGA letter to operators. Rotax 275, 501, 505 & 535 Engines 6th September 2006 DG400, DG600, DG800, Nimbus 4DM, Janus & Pik 20E Rotax have changed to overhaul requirements of the above engines by removing the calendar and fixed hour overhaul periods and replacing them with "on condition" inspections at specified intervals. Service bulletin SB-505-010/535-009 is due to be available after 12 September 2006 from your Rotax agent. Generic Requirement 24 no longer applies to these engines and they must be in compliance with the SB by 31 December 2006. Engines may continue in service until the compliance date when the inspection must be completed. September Updates 1st September 2006 The September 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. Puchacz Rudder Inspection 30 August 2006 Reference EASA AD 2006-0243E, the BGA now has a copy of Service Bulletin BE-058/SZD-50-3/2006 providing inspection details. Click here for the Service Bulletin. SZD Puchacz 50-3 Rudder Inspection 23 August 2006 EASA have issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive to inspect the rudder attachment on all SZD 50-3 Puchacz gliders. Follow link to AD http://ad.easa.eu.int/files/easa_ad_2006_0243_E.pdf. At the present time the BGA does not have Mandatory Bulletin BE-058/SZD-50-3/2006, you will need to contact All-Star for a copy - www.szd.com.pl Schempp-Hirth Ventus-2cT, Discus-2T, Discus-2cT - Engine Pylon Inspection 1 August 2006 EASA have issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive to inspect the engine mount pylon for cracks at every Daily Inspection (DI) and install rubber spacers at next annual inspection (C of A) but no later than 31 December 2006. Follow link to AD 2006-0227E and link to Schempp-Hirth web site for Technical Notes and working instructions. Stemme S10-VT with Rotax Engine - Exhaust Inspection 27 July 2006 EASA have issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive to inspect the exhaust system for cracks on S10-VT fitted with Rotax 914 engines. Compliance time is within 10 flying hours from 18 July 2006. Follow links to AD 2006-0217E and Service Bulletin A31-10-075. July Updates 4th July 2006 The July 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. Astir Tailplane Mounting - Replacement Parts News 13 June 2006 We have been advised by the Grob UK agents that the Spherical Ball mountings to comply with the EASA Airworthiness Directive http://ad.easa.eu.int/files/easa_ad_2006_0150_corrected_0.pdf requiring replacement before 30 June 2006 will be available very soon. The first batch is due for delivery today and the remainder in about 10 days. If your glider is affected and you have not ordered replacement parts, it is recommended that you contact the UK agents as soon as possible to minimise any grounding. Regional Technical Officer Vacancies 10 May 2006 The BGA is seeking to fill 3 vacancies for Regional Technical Officers for two new regions Central, Central North and due to an unexpected retirement, Wales & West Midlands . Established inspectors interested in this fulfilling and interesting voluntary role should contact Debbie at the BGA office for an information pack. More details on the new regions in BGA Engineering News. May Updates 10th May 2006 The May 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives, datasheets and TNS have also been updated. SLMG with ROTAX 2 Stroke Engines 14 March 2006 The CAA has issued Letter to Operators No 2876 allowing continued operation of SLMG Rotax 2 stroke engines beyond the recommended calendar TBO for a period of 6 months. Owners need to contact your Local CAA Regional Office for a variation on an individual basis. Click here for a suggested letter. Please note: After 21 March 2006, if your engine is outside the recommended TBO and you do not have a variation to GR 24, you are not legally allowed to fly as your C of A is technically invalid. You can find your CAA regional office at www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=288&pagetype=90&pageid=819 or in Airworthiness Notice Number 29 or contact the CAA on 01293 567171. March Updates 6th March 2006 The March 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives, inspections and TNS have also been updated. BGA Glider Maintenance Schedule 12 February 2006 The new BGA Glider Maintenance Schedule (BGA GMS) has been launched. Every BGA glider will receive a complimentary copy at the next C of A renewal or first issue. Please see new web page BGA GMS for more details. Grob Astir CS Tailplane Mounting Inspection 26 January 2006 The annual repetitive inspection of Astir CS Tailplane Mounting Spherical Bolt for cracks has identified more failures. The BGA recommends that this inspection is repeated immediately, unless recently carried out, pending a mandatory replacement in the near future. Please see this letter sent to all BGA Astir CS owners. Copies of the Airworthiness Directive and Service Bulletin can be found at the following web site www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/html/ads-grob/306-astir-cs.htm AMT-100 & -200 Xamango Motor Glider Airworthiness Directive 10 January 2006 EASA has adopted the Brazilian AD 2005-12-01 requiring the replacement of certain self locking nuts with castle nuts and split pins. The AD can be found at www.aviacao-civil.ifi.cta.br/da/textos/1106amd.pdf. SZD 50-3 Puchacz Control Stick Inspection 23rd December 2005 Due to continued reports of control sticks breaking off during accidents the BGA recommends that Puchacz control sticks are inspected after accidents or at any time where excessive forces may have been applied. The inspection entails stick removal and an inspection for cracks at mounting holes. See BGA inspection 046/12/2005 for details. January Updates 23rd December 2005 The January 2006 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. Glasflugel Club-Libelle, Hornet, Mosquito and 304 15th December 2005 The LBA have issued AD D-1988-028R1 to address the issue that various aircraft models were omitted from the original AD. The AD requires a before flight inspection and later modification to the elevator drive. Click here for the AD and here for the tech note. AMP Manual Update 23rd November 2005 Many sections of the AMP Manual have been updated. Download the manual, or just the updated sections on the AMP Manual page. November Updates 16th November 2005 The November 2005 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. All Lycoming Engines (Tugs) - Valve Gear Inspection 27 October 2005 EASA have issued AD No 2005-0023 requiring mandatory inspections of the exhaust valve and guide in accordance with Lycoming SB 388c. Compliance is required before end of February 2006 and repeated every 400 hours or 1000 hours depending on type. AD and SB can be found using the following links. www.easa.eu.int/doc/Certification/Airwor_Directives/AD_05_0023_All_Lycoming_Engines.pdf Grob G109 - Throttle Spring 27 October 2005 The LBA have issued AD D-2005-257 to inspect all Grob 109B motor gliders fitted with a Limbach L2400 DT1 within the next 10 flying hours. AD can be found using the following link www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2005-357-e.pdf Schempp-Hirth Ventus-C, Ventus-cT and Ventus-cM 29th September 2005 Airworthiness Directive D-2005-375 has been issued for a before next flight inspection of the automatic control connection attachment, and modification at next C of A (before 31 March 2006). You can download copies of the AD and Technical Note from the LBA web site. Motor Glider and Tug Flight Testing at C of A Issue and Renewal 29th September 2005 The CAA has lifted the requirement for continued airworthiness flight testing at C of A issue and renewal for EASA approved aircraft. More information follow is on the CAA web site. Details of EASA approved types and Non EASA approved types can be found in CAA publication CAP 747 Section 1, Part 2. September Updates 26th September 2005 The September 2005 Technical News is available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. Guidance on Glider Registration 22nd September 2005 AMP leaflet 3-7 is now available to download advising the procedure and offering guidance on obtaining a CAA registration mark for BGA gliders that first flew after 28 September 2003 and for all future registrations. Guidance is included on applying the registration marks and interpretation of the regulations. Schempp-Hirth Nimbus and Mini Nimbus Flap Drive Inspection 25th July 2005 The LBA have issued AD D-2005-239 to inspect the flap drive mechanism for cracks, at the next C of A but not later than 31 December 2005. You can download the AD, Technical Note and appendix (3 seperate files). Copies will not be sent to owners as there is sufficient time to be included in the next TNS to inspectors. Schleicher Wooden Gliders - Elevator Tab Inspection 14th July 2005 BGA Inspection 045/07/2005 to be completed before 15 August 2005 due to suspect glue failure of elevator tab end rib and detachment of control horn. See the Inspections section. July updates & Ka13 Weak Link Change 13th July 2005 The July 2005 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives, TNS and datasheets have also been updated. Among the datasheet updates is one for the Ka13 weak link for winch launching. When the BGA increased the max winch launch speed to 65 knots, the weak link should have been changed to 850kg (Tost brown). Stemme S10-VT Motor Glider Fuel Line Inspection 28 June 2005 BEFORE NEXT FLIGHT INSPECTION of fuel lines in accordance with LBA Airworthiness Directive D-2005-228. Ad and Service bulletin can be downloaded from http://www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/html/stemme.htm Glasflugal 201 Libelle and Glasflugal 301 Rudder Gimbal Drive 1st June 2005 For Information: The BGA has received a report from Denmark of an incorrect assembly of the rudder gimbal drive following replacement as required by AD D2005-118. It is possible to assemble the drive arm 180 degrees twisted resulting in opposite sense rudder control. Always check the sense and range whenever any flying control is disturbed. Click here for photograph if incorrect and correct assembly. The rudder gimbal drive is required to be replaced by 31st July 2005. For a copy of the AD and Technical Note follow link www.streifly.de/home-eng.html SZD 50-3 PUCHACZ Flying Controls 18th May 2005 For information: The GFA have issued an Airworthiness Directive AD-623 to inspect elevator push rod end bearings for failure of the screw threads. Follow the link www.gfa.org.au/Docs/ADs/GFA%20AD%20623%20Issue%202.pdf. It is recommended that this inspection be carried out on BGA gliders. The BGA will be reviewing this inspection and may reclassify. Light Aircraft Maintenance Schedule (LAMS) 18th May 2005 The LAMS has been updated to edition 5, CAA/LAMS/A/1999 issue 2. this schedule is applicable to all Motor Gliders and Tugs. Update your schedule at the next maintenance check. To download, follow the link www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP411.PDF or purchase from TSO at www.tso.co.uk/site.asp AMP Manual and Inspection Updates 18th May 2005 Updates are now available for the AMP Manual and BGA Inspections & Modifications. May updates 13th May 2005 The May 2005 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives and TNS have also been updated. March updates 9th March 2005 The March 2005 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives, inspections and TNS have also been updated. Grob Twin Astir Airworthiness Directive 28th February 2005 The LBA have revised AD D-2004-292R1 to allow continuation in service of cast alloy elevator lever until 30 June 2005 when replacement parts will be available. www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2004-292R1-e.pdf January updates 7th January 2005 The January 2005 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives, datasheets and TNS have also been updated. Grob Twin Astir Airworthiness Directive 26 November 2004 The LBA have issued a before next flight AD with revised limits of operation - restrictions to Vne and some aerobatics. Please follow link to establish if your aircraft is affected www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2003-231R3-e.pdf a copy of the service bulletin can be found at www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/sb/grob/2003-231R3-MSB-315-64_3.pdf. Schempp-Hirth Airworthiness Directive 16 November 2004 The LBA have issued a before next flight inspection for some Janus and Nimbus gliders and motor gliders. Please follow this link to establish if your aircraft is affected www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2004-495R1-e.pdf November updates 4th November 2004 The November 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives and datasheets have also been updated. A section for Technical News Sheets has also been added. SZD Puchacz Control Stick 20th October 2004 Due to re-occurrences of control stick failures the BGA has revised BGA Mandatory inspection 002/07/2000 issue 2 to inspect within 30 days and repeat at annual inspection. Eligibility for BGA C of A 4th October (valid from 1st October) With immediate effect only gliders and Self Sustaining Sailplanes with EASA type approval are eligible for the issue of a new BGA C of A. The list of approved EU and Non EU types can be found in CAA publication CAP 747, section 1, part 2, 1.1.1 (c) and 1.2.1 (c) or follow the link www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP747.PDF. Glider types listed as "Not transferred" or not listed are not eligible for the issue of a BGA C of A until approved or type certificated by EASA. C of A renewals of existing BGA gliders and Self Sustaining Sailplanes are unaffected by this notice. September updates 4th October 2004 The September 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. Airworthiness Publications (SLMGs and Tugs) 23rd September2004 Important information concerning the continuing airworthiness of all aircraft with a CAA C of A. Please click the link to view the letter from the CAA http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/536/LetterOnCtAw.pdf This letter concerns all Self Launching Motor Gliders and Tugs. Technical Fees 23rd September 2004 Fees for issue and renewal of a BGA C of A and replacement documents have been amended with effect from 1st October 2004. For details see the Fees page. K7 Update 25th August 2004 The Schleicher K series inspection has been amended to clarify the access requirements for single seat aircraft and inspection requirements for Juby built aircraft. 042/07/2004 issue 2 supersedes issue 1. Full compliance with issue 1 satisfies issue 2. Datasheets Update 5th August 2004 Many of the technical datasheets have been updated - download them from the datasheet section. K7 Grounding 22nd July 2004 The BGA Technical Committee has approved a number of inspection to be completed on the grounded K7 and K7 conversions to restore to flying status. Similar inspection will also be required on other similarly constructed Schleicher wooden gliders by 1 October 2004 and at the next C of A annual inspection. See BGA Mandatory inspections 042/07/2004 and 043/07/2004 for details of compliance details and glider types effected. The BGA Technical Committee has also given some advice and guidance on inspecting wooden structures. Ventus 2cT 22nd July 2004 Recommended modification and inspection to pilots seat back location. see BGA recommended modification 040/06/2004 and inspection 041/06/2004 for details. 16th July 2004 The July 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. An Ageing Glider Survey form can also be found here. K7 & K10 Owners: Grounding Update 25th June 2004 The investigation is still ongoing. The wood experts have inspected the aircraft but have not yet reached any conclusions. Further tests and inspections are required. At the moment the AAIB believe they are no closer to establishing the cause of the accident despite the extensive investigation so far. The BGA is aware of the difficulties this extended investigation and grounding is causing and is continuing to offer the AAIB any assistance that is required. As we have not found any reason for the catastrophic failure of the wing to date, the grounding notice remains in force. K7 & K10 Owners: Grounding Update 9th June 2004 The investigation into the cause of the wing in-flight structural failure has not been completed by the UK AAIB. The cause of the accident has not been determined yet. The AAIB have engaged independent expert consultants to assist with the investigation but a report is not expected before 21 June 2004. After receiving the report from the independent expert consultants the BGA Technical Committee will consider what action is required to restore the flying status. For the interim period the grounding notice remains in force K7 & K10 Owners: Grounding Notice 27th May 2004 Schleicher K7 all serial numbers and variants Schleicher K10 Conversions, all serial numbers and variants Due to an in-flight wing structural failure, as a precautionary measure, the BGA have decided to ground all Schleicher K7 and converted K10 gliders, with immediate effect. The accident investigation is in the initial stages and it is not known at this stage if the structural failure was the result of a mechanical defect or operation outside the approved flight envelope. The BGA does not issue grounding notices without due consideration and it is appreciated that it will cause some operational difficulties, however the safety of the aircraft and occupants is our prime concern. As soon as we have some more information, we will review the grounding notice. Updates will be sent to BGA registered owners and posted on the BGA website, www.gliding.co.uk/news Yours sincerely Jim Hammerton 18th May 2004 The May 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. 26th March 2004 The Datasheet section has been updated with various errors corrected. 12th March 2004 The March 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. Rolladen Schneider LS6, 7 & 8 2nd February 2004 BGA have received reports of elevator control crank mounting nuts missing. Reports suggest that after removal of tail ballast weight holder, the mounting nuts and washers have not been replaced. The tail ballast weight holder is mounted on the rear face of the fin using the elevator crank mounting studs. Please see BGA Recommended Inspection BGA 039/01/2004 for details. Grob Twin Astir Flight Limitations 2nd February 2004 The LBA has issued Airworthiness Directives 2003-231/2 and D2004-002 revising some the limitations of operations imposed last year and advising terminating action for some aircraft. BGA has sent details to registered owners. For further information, copies of AD's and associated Service Bulletins please visit the LBA web site www.lba.de. 10th January 2004 The January 2004 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. 28th November 2003 BGA generated inspection and modifications are now available to download in a new section. Click here to view them. 10th November 2003 The November 2003 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. Discus CS, b, bT Grounding Update 3 October 2003 The LBA have issued Airworthiness Directives AD2003-266/2 and AD2003-265/2 for the Discus CS and b and the Discus bT respectively. The revised AD's approve Schempp-Hirth Technical Note 360-21 and 863-9 for the inspection of effected aircraft. Any aircraft with a BGA C of A, grounded by the AD's that has been
inspected and no fault found may now be operated as normal. Jim Hammerton Schempp-Hirth (Czech Built) Grounding 18th September 2003 updated Following an incident in France, an airworthiness report has today been issued grounding Discus sailplanes and powered sailplanes manufactured in the Czech Republic and other Schempp-Hirth types fitted with replacement wings manufactured in the Czech Republic. Keep up to date with developments by clicking here. 7th September 2003 The September 2003 newsletter is now available to download. Airworthiness directives have also been updated. Duo Discus Airworthiness Directive 1st August 2003 An LBA Airworthiness Directive has been issued with effect from 31st July 2003. Certain Duo Discuses and the Turbo version have been grounded until further notice. The Directives (with details of serial numbers affected) can be downloaded from www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2003-245-e.pdf and www.lba.de/dokumente/ad/2003-246-e.pdf. Parachute Recall 30th July 2003 Updated Irvin GQ have announced a safety recall of all parachutes delivered between November 2001 and July 2003 to check for a potentially faulty ripcord pin. The recall is mandatory and Irvin state that the tests should be carried out before the parachutes are next used. We believe that other manufacturers’ parachutes delivered in the same time window are similarly affected and will be subject to a recall as well. If you have a parachute that is affected you should hear directly from your supplier. We understand that the procedure from Irvin-GQ parachutes is that they should be returned to IGQ by calling TNT on 01443 237610 to arrange a collection, quoting 'IGQ returns, account no 0320120066'. Enlose a note saying that the parachute is returned for pin testing and stating where you want it returned to you at. We recommend that you confirm these details with your supplier before returning, IGQ have stated that parachutes will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. C of A Flight testing Motor Gliders 15th July 2003 Pilots must now be briefed and approved by the CAA before carrying out CAA Private Category C of A renewal test flights as published in BGA Engineering News No 19, GASIL and in CAP 520. Due to the large number of private owners involved the CAA have approached the BGA to undertake this and we are negotiating a process for motor glider owners using the BGA M3 system. The aim is to satisfy the CAA’s and BGA’s duty of care with the minimum inconvenience and disruption to owners and operators. During the interim period, any pilot who has previously carried out a CAA C of A flight test and that flight test report has been accepted by the CAA, will automatically be accepted for grandfather rights and may continue to test fly without a briefing. If you have not completed a flight test before and need to do one, you should contact the CTO for advice. The above does not effect Gliders, Sailplanes and Self Sustaining Sailplanes (Turbos) Jim Hammerton Newsletters Newsletters are released every 2 months - download them below; 2006 2005 November 2004 November 2003 November 2002 November 2001 November
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