Airworthiness Directives; Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau Models ASH 25M and ASH 26E Sailplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Alexander Schleicher Segelflugzeugbau (Alexander Schleicher) Models ASH 25M and ASH 26E sailplanes. This AD requires that you accomplish the following: <bullet> Check to see if the sailplane has a muffler marked with an X on the front plate; <bullet> Accomplish pre-flight checks on the carbon reinforced plastic fairing for signs of overheat traces and/or perform boroscope inspections, depending on the number of sailplane hours accumulated; and <bullet> Replace the muffler with an improved design muffler either at a certain time period or immediately if discrepancies are found during any inspection. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent excessive radiation from causing the carbon fiber shroud on the engine muffler to delaminate. The carbon fiber shroud serves the same function as a firewall and delamination could cause a fire to spread throughout the sailplane.