AD 97-08-02 62 FR 16667 Active

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Schempp-Hirth K.G. (Schempp-Hirth) Models Standard- Cirrus, Nimbus-2, Nimbus-2B, Mini-Nimbus HS-7, Mini-Nimbus B, Discus a, and Discus b sailplanes. This AD requires accomplishing a load test of the elevator control system, and replacing the elevator vertical actuating tube either immediately or at a certain time period depending on the results of the load test. This AD results from reported incidents of corrosion found in the elevator because of water entering the elevator control rod. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent corrosion in the elevator caused by water entering the elevator control rod, which could result in elevator failure and subsequent loss of control of the sailplane.