Proposed Rule2025-21409
Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 28, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model CIRRUS gliders. This action revises the NPRM by changing references to the affected glider model from CIRRUS to STANDARD CIRRUS throughout the proposed airworthiness directive (AD). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. The FAA is requesting comments on this SNPRM.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 227 (Friday, November 28, 2025)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 227 (Friday, November 28, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54593-54596]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-21409]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that would have applied to certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH
(Schempp-Hirth) Model CIRRUS gliders. This action revises the NPRM by
changing references to the affected glider model from CIRRUS to
STANDARD CIRRUS throughout the proposed airworthiness directive (AD).
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products. The FAA is requesting comments on this SNPRM.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by January 12, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this SNPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH material identified in
this proposed AD, contact Schempp-Hirth, Krebenstra[szlig]e 25, 73230
Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0d64636b624d7e6e6568607d7d20316c2d657f686b30" http: hirth.com">hirth.com</a>">info@schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a></a>; website: schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a>.
[[Page 54594]]
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas City,
MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the
FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Schmitt, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (206) 231-3377; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c0b0a5b4a5b2eea1eeb3a3a8ada9b4b480a6a1a1eea7afb6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1363766776613d723d60707b7e7a6767537572723d747c65">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-1362;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may again revise this proposal because of those
comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this SNPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this SNPRM contain
commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as
private, that you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or
responsive to this SNPRM, it is important that you clearly designate
the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission
containing CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed
in the public docket of this SNPRM. Submissions containing CBI should
be sent to Peter Schmitt, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart
Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA
receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in
the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to certain Schempp-Hirth Model CIRRUS gliders. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2025 (90 FR 34391). The
NPRM was prompted by European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2024-0242R1, dated January 17, 2025, issued by EASA, which is the
Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union (EASA AD
2024-0242R1) (also referred to as the MCAI). The MCAI states that
occurrences were reported of a broken outer race in the lower ball
bearing installed on the all-moving horizontal tailplane drive fitting.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to the tailplane drive
jamming and loss of control of the glider.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require inspecting the elevator
drive fitting to determine the type of lower ball bearing installed
and, depending upon the results, replacing the lower ball bearing with
a serviceable part.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1362.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, a commenter noted that the NPRM
referenced the incorrect glider model. The SNPRM revises the NPRM by
updating the reference to the affected Schempp-Hirth glider model from
CIRRUS to STANDARD CIRRUS. Neither the MCAI nor the service information
has been revised since the NPRM was published. This SNPRM was prompted
by the FAA's determination that the affected glider model referenced in
the NPRM was incorrect and needed to be changed. The FAA is proposing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Comments
The FAA received one comment from an individual commenter. The
following presents the comment received on the NPRM and the FAA's
response to the comment.
Request To Correct Glider Model Applicability
An individual commenter requested that the FAA revise the proposed
AD by changing the referenced applicability to Schempp-Hirth Model
STANDARD CIRRUS sailplanes rather than Schempp-Hirth Model CIRRUS
sailplanes. The commenter noted that the CIRRUS sailplane is a
different type of glider model than the STANDARD CIRRUS sailplane with
a different type of elevator.
The FAA agrees with the commenter's request and has revised this
proposed AD as requested.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this SNPRM
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a
result, it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide
additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No.
278-25, Revision 1, dated July 9, 2024, which specifies procedures for
inspecting the elevator drive fitting to determine which type of lower
ball bearing is installed, and depending on the results, replacing the
lower ball bearing with a serviceable part.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Proposed AD Requirements in This SNPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in the material already described.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 17 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
[[Page 54595]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspect elevator drive fitting or records 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $1,445
review to determine if affected part is = $85.
installed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
gliders that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace elevator drive lower ball bearing.... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $35 $120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model STANDARD
CIRRUS gliders, serial numbers 21, 23, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36
through 52, and 54 through 120, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5520, Elevator
Structure.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race component
of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal
tailplane drive fitting. The FAA is issuing this AD to address this
unsafe condition. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in the tailplane drive jamming and loss of control of the
glider.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
For the purpose of this AD, the definitions in paragraphs (g)(1)
and (2) of this AD apply.
(1) An ``affected part'' is as identified in SCHEMPP-HIRTH
Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 278-25, Revision 1, dated July
9, 2024 (SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1): EL6 lower ball
bearing (identified as type 1a) or self-aligning lower ball bearing
(identified as type 1b) of the elevator drive fitting.
(2) A ``serviceable part'' is as identified in SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN
No. 278-25, Revision 1: Lower bearing ring with inner bronze bushing
having part number HS4-30.013/1 (identified as type 1d).
(h) Required Actions
(1) Within 4 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect
the elevator drive fitting to determine if an affected part is
installed, in accordance with the instructions of Actions 1. in
SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN No. 278-25, Revision 1. A review of glider
maintenance records instead of this inspection is acceptable
provided it can be conclusively determined from that review if an
affected part is installed.
(2) If, during the inspection or maintenance records review
required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, it is determined that an
affected part is installed, within 4 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the affected part with a serviceable part in
accordance with the instructions of Actions 2. of SCHEMPP-HIRTH TN
No. 278-25, Revision 1.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install an affected
part as defined in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD on any glider.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve
[[Page 54596]]
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your
principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the
International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#094844464a496f6868276e667f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0e1edefe3e0c6c1c18ec7cfd6">[email protected]</span></a>. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector,
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Peter Schmitt,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-3377; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#becedbcadbcc90df90cdddd6d3d7cacafed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="acdcc9d8c9de82cd82dfcfc4c1c5d8d8eccacdcd82cbc3da">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the material listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 278-25,
Revision 1, dated July 9, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH material identified in
this AD, contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstra[szlig]e
25, 73230 Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#771e1911183704141f121a07075a4b16571f0512114a" http: hirth.com">hirth.com</a>">info@schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a></a>; website: schempp-<a href="http://hirth.com">hirth.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 901 Locust, Kansas
City, MO 64106. For information on the availability of this material
at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b3d5c19ddaddc0c3d6d0c7dadcddf3ddd2c1d29dd4dcc5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbadb9e5a2a5b8bbaea8bfa2a4a58ba5aab9aae5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 24, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-21409 Filed 11-26-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on November 28, 2025.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.