AD 2018-10-09 Airworthiness Directives; DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Gliders

This AD applies to DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500MB and DG-1000M gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in any category, that are: (1) Equipped with Solo 2625 02 engine modified with a fuel injection system following the instructions of Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Service Bulletin (SB)/Technische Mitteilung (TM) 4600-3 “Fuel Injection System” and re-identified as Solo 2625 02i; or (2) equipped with a Solo 2625 02i engine at manufacture and have engine serial numbers S/Ns up to 369/207, except engine S/Ns 354/194, 356/196, 357/197, 358/198, 361/201, 362/202, 363/203, 364/204, and 368/206.

(1) Unless already done, modify the engine by installing a software update for the engine control unit (ECU) following the actions in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016, at the applicable compliance time in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (ii) of this AD. (i) For Model DG-500MB gliders, within the next 60 days after June 29, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-11-03); or (ii) For Model DG-1000M gliders, within the next 60 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) After the modification of an engine as required by paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) of this AD, do not install a replacement ECU on that engine and do not upload any software update to the ECU of that engine unless the ECU software version is as specified in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016. (3) The Note in Solo Kleinmotoren GmbH Technische Mitteilung (English translation: Service Bulletin), Nr. 4600-6, Ausgabe 1 (English translation: Issue 1), dated November 16, 2016, stating “the actions have to be accomplished by a certified maintenance organization and must be released to service accordingly” is not applicable to this AD. Note 1 to paragraph (f) of this AD: This service information contains German to English translation. The EASA used the English translation in referencing the document. For enforceability purposes, we will refer to the Solo Kleinmotoren service information as it appears on the document.

The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Jim Rutherford, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Standards Branch, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4165; fax: (816) 329-4090; email: jim.rutherford@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC on any glider to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of the connecting rod bearing resulting from too much load on the rod bearings from the engine control unit. This AD results from the need to add a glider model to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent such failure that could lead to the potential of an in-flight shut-down and engine fire and result in loss of control.

This AD supersedes AD 2017-11-03, Amendment 39-18902 (82 FR 24015; May 25, 2017) (“AD 2017-11-03”).