FAA Orders Inspections and Fixes for Schempp-Hirth Glider Tail Bearings
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own a Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus glider, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a part in the tail that could break, so they’re requiring owners to check and possibly replace a specific ball bearing by April 9, 2026. This keeps your glider safe and flying smoothly, with some costs for inspection and replacement if needed.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory tail bearing inspection
If you own or operate a Schempp-Hirth Model STANDARD CIRRUS glider (serial numbers 21, 23, 27, 30, 32, 33, 34, 36–52, and 54–120), you must inspect the elevator drive fitting within 4 months after April 9, 2026 (by August 9, 2026) to see which lower ball bearing is installed. You may instead conclusively determine this by reviewing maintenance records as described in SCHEMPP-HIRTH Technical Note No. 278-25, Revision 1 dated July 9, 2024.
Required replacement of affected bearing
If the inspection or record review finds an affected lower ball bearing (EL6 lower ball bearing identified as type 1a or self-aligning lower ball bearing identified as type 1b), you must replace it with the serviceable lower bearing ring with inner bronze bushing, part number HS4-30.013/1 (identified as type 1d), within 4 months after April 9, 2026. Follow the replacement instructions in SCHEMPP-HIRTH Technical Note No. 278-25, Revision 1 (dated July 9, 2024).
Prohibition on installing affected parts
As of the AD effective date, April 9, 2026, do not install an affected part (EL6 lower ball bearing type 1a or self-aligning lower ball bearing type 1b) on any glider. The prohibition is stated in paragraph (i) of the AD.
FAA cost estimate for affected fleet
The FAA estimates this AD affects 17 U.S.-registered gliders. The estimated cost to inspect each glider is 1 work-hour at $85 (total $85 per glider). If replacement is needed, the FAA estimates 1 work-hour at $85 plus $35 parts for a total of $120 per replacement.
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