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.
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