Rule2026-04348
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
March 5, 2026
Effective
April 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal tailplane drive fitting. This AD requires 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 43 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 43 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10746-10748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-04348]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G;
Amendment 39-23253; AD 2026-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH (Schempp-Hirth) Model STANDARD
CIRRUS gliders. This AD was prompted by reports of a broken outer race
of the lower ball bearing installed in the all-moving horizontal
tailplane drive fitting. This AD requires 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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For SCHEMPP-HIRTH Flugzeugbau GmbH material identified in
this 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#523b3c343d1221313a373f22227f6e33723a2037346f" 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>.
<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. It is also available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1362.
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#1161746574633f703f6272797c786565517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7505100110075b145b06161d181c0101351314145b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (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 EASA AD 2024-
0242R1, dated January 17, 2025, issued by the European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (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. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain
Schempp-Hirth Model STANDARD CIRRUS gliders. The SNPRM was published in
the Federal Register on November 28, 2025 (90 FR 54593). The SNPRM was
prompted by a comment received on the NPRM from an individual commenter
noting that the NPRM referenced the incorrect glider model. In the
SNPRM, the FAA proposed to require the same actions as those proposed
in the NPRM, and updated the reference to the affected Schempp-Hirth
glider model from CIRRUS to STANDARD CIRRUS. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1362.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the SNPRM or on the determination
of the costs.
Conclusion
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the SNPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 17 gliders of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 10747]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect elevator drive fitting or 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $1,445
records review to determine if hour = $85.
affected part is installed.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary
replacements that would be required based on the results of the
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of gliders
that might need these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace elevator drive lower ball bearing..... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $35 $120
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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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2026-03-04 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-23253;
Docket No. FAA-2025-1362; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00062-G.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 9, 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.
[[Page 10748]]
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve 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#93d2dedcd0d3f5f2f2bdf4fce5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9edfd3d1dddef8ffffb0f9f1e8">[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#5c2c3928392e723d722f3f34313528281c3a3d3d723b332a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4a3a2f3e2f38642b6439292227233e3e0a2c2b2b642d253c">[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#d3babdb5bc93a0b0bbb6bea3a3feefb2f3bba1b6b5ee" 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#85e3f7abecebf6f5e0e6f1eceaebc5ebe4f7e4abe2eaf3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="95f3e7bbfcfbe6e5f0f6e1fcfafbd5fbf4e7f4bbf2fae3">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 28, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-04348 Filed 3-4-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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