2026-03-04: Elevator Structure

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 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. (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: AMOC@faa.gov. 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: peter.a.schmitt@faa.gov. (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, Krebenstraße 25, 73230 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 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