Part 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9
1.10

British Gliding Association

TNS 02/04

Technical News Sheet 02/04

Airworthiness issues (all categories)

Centrair Alliance 34 SNC34C GRP inspections

SB34-08 (Recommended)

DG-500M

AD2003-409, TN 843/18 (Mandatory)

Inspection of Spindle drive. Issue of AD and upgrading to mandatory

AD details on LBA web site.

Pik 20E

Reported by John MacWilliam (Information)

Guidance and service information on Propeller bearing failures.

Grob Twin Astir

AD2003-231/2, ASB315-64/2 (Mandatory)

Limitations of operation revision. Not published by LBA until recently

AD details on LBA web site and sent to owners

Grob Twin Astir

AD D-2004-002, MSB315-65 (Mandatory)

Limitations of operations for some aircraft. This AD supersedes AD 2003-185

AD details on LBA web site and sent to owners.

LET L13 Blanik

MB L 13/089a

Manual revision and extension of overhaul period

(Mandatory)

LET L13, L13A Blanik

IB L13/101b

(Information)

Introduction of new SB numbering system for L 13AC gliders

LET L23 Super Blanik Inspection of elevator lever Details sent to owners

MB L23/048a

(Mandatory)

Pilatus B4

Reported by Roger Targett

(Information)

Undercarriage collapse due to excessive movement of drive lever attachment

rivets to drive shaft.

Modification due shortly to bond lever and fit improved rivets.

PZL SZD 50-3 Puchacz

SB BE-053

(Information)

Life extension to 12,000 hours approved. Due to limited information of high

time aircraft, the life extension is limited to aircraft inspected by the

manufacturer. When more data is obtained by inspecting high time aircraft, it is

envisaged to extend the applicability to all.

Current life is 6000 hours extendable to 6750 hours before overhaul is

required.

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TNS 02/04
PZL Swidnik. PW-5 AD SP-0086-2003-a, SB BO-17-03-18(Mandatory) Inspection of Aileron and Air Brake push rod ends Details sent to owners

1.12

Rolladen-Schneider LS4b

AD D-2004-001, TB 4046 (Mandatory)

Manual amendments and to increase life to 12,000 hours

AD details on LBA web site

1.13

Rolladen-Schneider LS6, 7 & 8 BGA Inspection 039/01/2004 issue 1 (Recommended)
Inspection of elevator crank retaining nuts after removal of optional tail ballast weight holder AD details on LBA web site and sent to owners

1.14

Schempp-Hirth Cirrus

AD 81-099/2

(Information)

Clarification that the 3000 hour inspection has been deleted and first major

inspection is due at 6000 hours. Life extended to 12,000 hours.

AD details on LBA web site.

1.15

Schempp-Hirth Duo-Discus AD D-2004-084, TN 396-9 (Mandatory) Inspection of bonding failures between wing spar cap to spar web. AD details on LBA web site and sent to owners.

1.16

Schempp-Hirth Duo-Discus Reported by Mick Wood (Information) During C of A inspection bolt found with head sheared off at air brake automatic connector chute, drive rod. Possible in flight disconnection averted.

Engines

1.17

Solo 2625-01 & 02

(Information)

Schempp-Hirth Ventus2cM, Nimbus 4DM, 4M, TN 825-32 & 868-6 refers

replacement of engine electronic box.

Equipment

1.18

L’Hotellier QR Connectors Many reports

(Mandatory)

AD 1993-001/3 and AD 1994-001/2 plus attachments

Two AD’s are applicable to ALL aircraft fitted with L’Hotellier connectors and

concern the locking devices and wear on the ball. The BGA continue to receive

reports of excessive wear on these connectors that has taken many years to

accumulate.

The Repeat inspection for wear must be completed on an ANNUAL basis

and there is no allowance for excessively worn couplings. If worn to the

limit the coupling MUST be replaced before flight.

AD details on LBA web site

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Part 2 Part 3 3.1 3.2

TNS 02/04

TOST Tow releases

AD1989-018/3

(Mandatory)

Mandatory overhaul of TOST releases after 10,000 actuation’s (equivalent to

2000 launches) is mandatory for all gliders registered with the BGA after 28

September 2003 and for all Motor Gliders (and Tugs) with a “G” registration.

The BGA “On Condition” exemption only applies to Gliders registered with the

BGA prior to 28 September 2003.

Also, please see letter from Tost regarding the supply of spares for their

release units.

AD details on LBA web site.

Modifications None this issue

General Matters

Drain Holes

Reported by Roger Targett(Information)

During the course of routine and damage inspection many gliders and SLMG

are found with either drain holes missing or blocked. Water accumulation can

cause irreparable damage to internal structures and cause structural failure.

Split Pins broken

Reported by Roger Targett(Information)

Many split pins fitted to eastern European gliders are manufactured from

inferior material. Several have been found broken off at the point where they

are folded out with no obvious reason why. Keep a watchful eye out for these.

Compliance Statement: All mandatory inspections and modifications have been included up to the following; Airworthiness Notices, Contents issue 133 Mandatory Aircraft Modifications & Inspections Summary, issue FAA Summary of Airworthiness Directives. Bi-weekly listing 2004-03 Foreign Airworthiness Directives Vol. I and II – CAA Additional Airworthiness Directives, issue Foreign Airworthiness Directives Vol III, issue CAA Mandatory Permit Directives, issue 2003/1
Jim Hammerton Chief Technical Officer

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