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.
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
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04337, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs: Substance Abuse Professional and the Return-to-Duty Process
If you work in transportation and mess up a drug or alcohol test, a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) decides what help you need before you can get back to work safely. The Department of Transportation is reminding SAPs and employers to follow the rules carefully to keep everyone safe. These updates start March 4, 2026, and help make sure the return-to-duty process is fair and clear for all involved.
Next: 2026-04352, Updating and Streamlining the Department of Commerce's Privacy Act Regulations; Correction
The Department of Commerce fixed a small mistake in its recent Privacy Act update by correcting two missed paragraphs that needed new job titles. This change affects anyone following the Department’s privacy rules and takes effect immediately on March 5, 2026. No new costs or big changes—just making sure the rules are clear and accurate!