FAA Orders Tail Inspections for Schempp-Hirth Gliders to Prevent Crashes
Published Date: 7/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a Schempp-Hirth CIRRUS glider, listen up! The FAA wants you to check a part in the tail that might break and cause trouble. If the part’s bad, you’ll need to swap it out soon to keep flying safe—no big money hits expected, just a quick fix to keep you soaring.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspect and Replace CIRRUS Tail Bearing
If you own a Schempp‑Hirth Model CIRRUS glider, the FAA proposes an airworthiness directive requiring you to inspect the elevator drive fitting to determine the type of lower ball bearing installed. If the inspection finds the affected lower ball bearing (a broken outer race was reported), you must replace that lower ball bearing with a serviceable part to address the unsafe condition.
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