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

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies 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. This action requires 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 this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the connectors from becoming inadvertently disconnected, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane or glider.