2025-04-14: Passenger/Crew Doors

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(f), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2025-04-14 Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-22972; Docket No. FAA-2024-2135; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00157-G. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 8, 2025. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Model Duo Discus gliders serial numbers (S/Ns) 1 through 422 (inclusive) and Duo Discus T gliders S/Ns 1 through 96 (inclusive), certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5200, Doors; 5210, Passenger/Crew Doors. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of gliders' canopies opening during air tow. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the canopy locking mechanism opening during flight. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to the canopy opening in flight, resulting in loss of control of the glider. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Required Actions Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the canopy locking mechanism by installing a compression spring in the canopy locking mechanism, installing spring washers at the canopy actuating levers, modifying the front actuating lever to include a magnet and applying a red mark to the front and aft inside the left canopy frame; or installing a front actuating lever that has a magnet, in accordance with the applicable technical note specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this AD. (1) For Model Duo Discus gliders: Appendix to Technical Note No. 380-1/396-6 attached to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 380-1, No. 396-6 dated July 27, 2004 (issued as one document). (2) For Model Duo Discus T gliders: Appendix to Technical Note No. 868-4/890-5 attached to Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 868-4, No. 890-5 dated February 23, 2005 (issued as one document). (h) 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 (i) of this AD or email to: AMOC@faa.gov. If mailing information, also submit information by email. 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. (i) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Fred Guerin, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (206) 231-2346; email: fred.guerin@faa.gov. (j) 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. 380-1, No. 396-6 dated July 27, 2004, with Appendix to Technical Note No. 380-1/396-6 attached (issued as one document). (ii) Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 868-4, No. 890-5 dated February 23, 2005, with Appendix to Technical Note No. 868-4/890-5 attached (issued as one document). (3) For Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH material identified in this AD, contact Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, Krebenstrasse 25, Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany; phone: +49 7021 7298-0; email: info@schempp-hirth.com; website: schempp-hirth.com. (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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . Issued on February 21, 2025. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2025-03442 Filed 3-3-25; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P