Glider Pilots Urged to Hunt Rust in Rudder Drives Now
Published Date: 10/2/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own a Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner glider, listen up! The FAA found rust problems on a key rudder part, so they’re requiring regular checks, a one-time deep inspection, and some fixes to keep your glider safe and sound. If serious rust shows up, you’ll need to replace the rudder, and sealing the part stops the need for future checks. Get ready to act soon to keep flying worry-free!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Rudder replacement if corrosion exceeds 'light surface rust'
If inspections find corrosion that exceeds light surface rust on the rudder drive plate, you must replace the rudder. Replacement is required when the corrosion condition goes beyond light surface rust.
Mandatory repetitive and one-time inspections
You must perform repetitive inspections and a one-time detailed inspection of the welded steel rudder drive plate for corrosion and water entry. These inspections are required for the affected glider models to address corrosion on the inner sides of the rudder drive plate.
Required modification for corrosion protection
The AD requires a modification of the rudder drive plate to improve corrosion protection, as applicable to your glider. You must complete this modification when it applies to your aircraft.
Sealing the drive plate ends repetitive inspections
Applying additional sealing to the rudder drive plate is required and, once done, it stops the need for future repetitive inspections. If you seal the plate as directed, you no longer must keep doing the repetitive inspections.
New AD applies to specific glider models
If you own a Fiberglas-Technik Rudolf Lindner glider, this airworthiness directive (AD) applies to Model G103 TWIN II, G103A TWIN II ACRO, G103C TWIN III ACRO, and G 103 C TWIN III SL. You must follow the AD’s required actions for those specific models.
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Key Dates
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