AD 2012-06-13
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Aviat | Various | Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders |
Unsafe Condition
Damage to the bulkhead of the glider's center of gravity (CG) tow hook that, if not detected and corrected, may lead to failure of the fiberglass structure during a winch launch.
Required Actions
Inspect the bulkhead of the CG tow hook and the bulkhead's glued joints for damage following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011. If damage is found, reinforce the bulkhead of the CG tow hook following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011. Install a new adapted tow hook access cover following DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Technical Note No. 500/04, dated August 30, 2011; and DG Flugzeugbau Working Instruction No. 1 for TN500/04, dated August 30, 2011.
Compliance Time
Within 30 days after May 4, 2012, inspect the bulkhead of the CG tow hook and the bulkhead's glued joints for damage. If damage is found, before further flight, reinforce the bulkhead of the CG tow hook. Within 5 months after May 4, 2012, reinforce the bulkhead of the CG tow hook if not already done.
Affected Aircraft
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/20 Elan, DG-500/22 Elan, DG-500M, and DG-500MB gliders, all serial numbers (S/N), certificated in any category.
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 6, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
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