Airworthiness Directives; Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10, S10-V, and S10-VT Sailplanes

The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Stemme GmbH & Co. Models S10, S10-V, and S10-VT sailplanes. This AD requires you to remove the drive shaft assembly and ship it to the service department of Stemme GmbH & Co. The engine is mounted behind the two side-by-side seats. The engine combined with the carbon fiber drive shaft turn the centrifugally extended propeller. After an initial visual inspection, the service department will perform an operational check to determine whether the drive shaft can be further used or must be replaced. Once corrective action is identified, a drive shaft will be shipped to you for installation. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Germany. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrectly glued drive shafts, which could result in drive shaft failure. During self-takeoff or critical periods of landing, failure of the drive shaft could lead to loss of control of the sailplane.