Airworthiness Directives: Louis L'Hotellier, S.A., Ball and Swivel Joint Quick Connectors

Résumé

This document proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) that would apply to Louis L'Hotellier S.A. (L'Hotellier) ball and swivel joint quick connectors installed on gliders and sailplanes that are not equipped with a ``Uerling'' sleeve or an LS-safety sleeve. These connectors allow the operator of the gliders and sailplanes to quickly connect and disconnect the control systems during assembly and disassembly for storage purposes. The proposed action would require enlarging the safety pin guide hole diameter, and fabricating and installing a placard that specifies a check of the security of the connectors prior to each flight. Several in-flight accidents involving inadvertent disconnection of these connectors that are installed on certain gliders and sailplanes prompted the proposed action. The actions specified in this proposed AD are intended to prevent the connectors from becoming inadvertently disconnected, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane or glider.