Federal Register #FAA20264637

FAA Airworthiness Directive Proposal for Stemme S 12 Glider Fuel System Sealing Rings

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive for all Stemme GmbH Model S 12 gliders to address safety concerns related to fuel system leaks. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Vendors: - Stemme GmbH (OEM for both the S 12 glider and the copper sealing rings) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of copper sealing rings in the fuel system - Affected part: Copper sealing ring (P/N D760312016CU) - Replacement part: Sealing ring (P/N 831984) - Repetitive visual inspections for fuel leakage around the copper sealing rings - Replacement of affected rings if leakage is detected, following Stemme Service Bulletin P062980082 Revision 01 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Installation of affected copper sealing rings (P/N D760312016CU) is prohibited - Visual checks may be performed by the owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate - Compliance must be recorded in the glider maintenance records - Approximately 31 U.S.-registered gliders are affected - The directive is prompted by reports of fuel leaks that could lead to in-flight fires - Locations: - FAA Aircraft Certification Service Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590 - FAA Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 1100 Main, Kansas City, MO 64105

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Stemme GmbH Model Stemme S 12 gliders due to reports of fuel leaking around certain copper sealing rings within the fuel system. The AD requires repetitive visual checks of the fuel system for fuel leakage and replacement of the affected copper sealing rings if leakage is detected. It also prohibits the installation of affected parts to prevent an unsafe condition that could result in an in-flight fire. The owner/operator holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform the visual checks and must record compliance in the glider maintenance records.

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