FAA Fixes Glider Glitches: Standard Cirrus Owners, Tune Up!
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a Schempp-Hirth Standard Cirrus glider, the FAA wants you to know about a safety update. They’re changing the rules to fix a potential problem and asking for your feedback by January 12, 2026. This might mean some inspections or fixes soon, so keep an eye on your wallet and calendar!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace unsafe lower bearing; installation banned
If the inspection or records review shows an affected lower ball bearing (EL6 type 1a or self-aligning type 1b) is installed, you must replace it with the serviceable part (lower bearing ring with inner bronze bushing, part number HS4-30.013/1, identified as type 1d) within 4 months after the effective date of this AD. As of the effective date of the AD, installing any affected part (type 1a or 1b) on any glider is prohibited. The FAA estimates replacement (if needed) will cost about $120 per glider ($85 labor + $35 parts), though it cannot determine how many gliders will require replacement.
Standard Cirrus owners must inspect elevator
If you own 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 the effective date of this AD to see if an affected lower ball bearing is installed. A review of maintenance records may be used instead of a physical inspection if it conclusively shows whether the affected part is installed. The FAA estimates this inspection will take 1 work-hour and cost $85 per glider, and it estimates 17 STANDARD CIRRUS gliders are on the U.S. registry.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21407, Testing Methods for Detecting and Identifying Asbestos in Talc-Containing Cosmetic Products; Withdrawal
The FDA is hitting pause and withdrawing its plan to require specific tests for asbestos in talc-based cosmetics after hearing lots of feedback. This affects cosmetic makers who would have had to test and keep records to keep their products safe and legal. No new rules or costs are coming right now, but the FDA will rethink and revisit this soon.
Next: 2025-21413, Air Plan Approval; Connecticut; New Source Review Permit Program State Plan Revision
The EPA wants to approve changes to Connecticut’s air pollution rules that make it clearer when factories and other big polluters need special permits, especially in areas with dirty air. This update helps protect the environment and public health without adding extra costs. People have until December 29, 2025, to share their thoughts on these changes.