# AD 2002-15-01: Long Aileron Push Control Rods

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Historical
- Products: Diamond Aircraft Industries H-36 DIMONA, HK 36 R SUPER DIMONA, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS, HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TTC-ECO (Restricted Category) and HK 36 TTS
- Effective: September 3, 2002
- Published: July 22, 2002, 67 FR 47680–47682
- Issued: July 12, 2002
- Issued as: Final rule
- Superseded by: [AD 2002-15-01 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-15-01-R1)
- Product type: Aircraft, Glider
- Amendment: 39-12829
- Docket: 2002-CE-11-AD
- Registered aircraft: 31 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/28/31/2831907bddc31aff389f43fda9df8ca43958e43014502b0a8c9fd56a687a81ce (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2002-07-22/pdf/02-18333.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/07/22/02-18333/airworthiness-directives-diamond-aircraft-industries-gmbh-models-h-36-dimona-hk-36-r-super-dimona-hk
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/209B9D9DD77FEA4F86256BFE00611FBF.0001
- DRS record last changed: August 7, 2025
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-15-01

## Summary

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH (Diamond) Models H-36 “Dimona”, HK 36 R “Super Dimona”, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS, HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TTC-ECO (Restricted Category), and HK 36 TTS sailplanes. This AD requires you to inspect the long aileron push rods in both wings for damage and modify the push rods. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Austria. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage in the long aileron push control rods, which could result in failure of the aileron push rods and decreased control. Such failure could lead to aeroelastic flutter.

## The airworthiness directive

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

2. FAA amends § 39.13 by adding a new AD to read as follows:

2002-15-01 Diamond Aircraft Industries GMBH: Amendment 39-12829; Docket No. 2002-CE-11-AD.

### (a)

  (a) What sailplanes are affected by this AD? This AD affects Models H-36 “Dimona”, HK 36 R “Super Dimona”, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS, HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TTC-ECO (Restricted Category), and HK 36 TTS sailplanes, all serial numbers, that are certificated in any category.

  (b) Who must comply with this AD? Anyone who wishes to operate any of the sailplanes identified in paragraph (a) of this AD must comply with this AD.

  (c) What problem does this AD address? The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct damage in the long aileron push control rods, which could result in failure of the aileron push rods and decreased control. Such failure could lead to aeroelastic flutter.

  (d) What actions must I accomplish to address this problem? To address this problem, you must accomplish the following:


| Actions | Compliance | Procedures |
| --- | --- | --- |
| (1) Inspect the long aileron push rods in both wings | Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after September 3, 2002 (the effective date of this AD) | In accordance with paragraph 1.8 Measures of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Service Bulletin No. MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instruction No. WI-MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; and the applicable sailplane maintenance manual. |
| (2) If any long aileron push rods are found damaged during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, modify the push rods | Before further flight, after the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1) of this AD | In accordance with paragraph 1.8 Measures of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Service Bulletin No. MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instruction No. WI-MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; and the applicable sailplane maintenance manual. |
| (3) If no damage is found during the inspection required in paragraph (d)(1), modify the push rods | Within the next 25 hours TIS after September 3, 2002 (the effective date of this AD) | In accordance with paragraph 1.8 Measures of Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Service Bulletin No. MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instruction No. WI-MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; and the applicable sailplane maintenance manual. |

  (e) Can I comply with this AD in any other way? You may use an alternative method of compliance or adjust the compliance time if:

  (1) Your alternative method of compliance provides an equivalent level of safety; and

  (2) The Standards Office Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, approves your alternative. Submit your request through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Standards Office Manager.

Note 1:

This AD applies to each sailplane identified in paragraph (a) of this AD, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For sailplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if you have not eliminated the unsafe condition, specific actions you propose to address it.

  (f) Where can I get information about any already-approved alternative methods of compliance? Contact Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

  (g) What if I need to fly the sailplane to another location to comply with this AD? The FAA can issue a special flight permit under sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate your sailplane to a location where you can accomplish the requirements of this AD.

  (h) Are any service bulletins incorporated into this AD by reference? Actions required by this AD must be done in accordance with Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Service Bulletin No. MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002; and Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Work Instruction No. WI-MSB36-72, dated February 1, 2002. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may get copies from Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Strasse 5, A-2700 Wiener Neistadt, Austria; telephone: 43 2622 26 700; facsimile: 43 2622 26 780. You may view copies at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note 2:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Austrian AD No. 111, dated February 26, 2002.

    (i) When does this amendment become effective? This amendment becomes effective on September 3, 2002.

## Rule preamble

### Dates

This AD becomes effective on September 3, 2002.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of September 3, 2002.

### Addresses

You may get the service information referenced in this AD from Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, N.A. Otto-Strasse 5, A-2700 Wiener Neistadt, Austria; telephone: 43 2622 26 700; facsimile: 43 2622 26 780. You may view this information at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-CE-11-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

### For further information contact

Mike Kiesov, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4144; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.

### Discussion

What Events Have Caused This AD?

The Austro Control GmbH (Austro Control), which is the airworthiness authority for Austria, recently notified FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Diamond Models H-36 “Dimona”, HK 36 R “Super Dimona”, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS, HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TTC-ECO (Restricted Category), and HK 36 TTS sailplanes. The Austro Control reports that during the preflight of one sailplane, the long aileron push rod was found to be broken. On several sailplanes, the aileron push control rods in both wings were found damaged due to contact or interference with the support for the aileron bellcrank.

What Is the Potential Impact If FAA Took No Action?

If the damaged aileron push control rods are not detected and corrected, the damage could result in failure of the aileron push rods and decreased control. Such failure could lead to aeroelastic flutter.

Has FAA Taken Any Action to This Point?

We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all Diamond Models H-36 “Dimona”, HK 36 R “Super Dimona”, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS, HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TTC-ECO (Restricted Category), and HK 36 TTS sailplanes. This proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on May 20, 2002 (67 FR 35459). The NPRM proposed to require you to inspect the long aileron push rods in both wings for damage and modify the push rods.

Was the Public Invited To Comment?

The FAA encouraged interested persons to participate in the making of this amendment. We did not receive any comments on the proposed rule or on our determination of the cost to the public.

### FAA's Determination

What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?

After careful review of all available information related to the subject presented above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for minor editorial corrections. We have determined that these minor corrections:

—Provide the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and

—Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM.

### Cost Impact

How Many Sailplanes Does This AD Impact?

We estimate that this AD affects 45 sailplanes in the U.S. registry.

What Is the Cost Impact of This AD on Owners/Operators of the Affected Sailplanes?

We estimate the following costs to accomplish the inspection:


| Labor cost | Parts cost | Total cost per sailplane | Total cost on U.S. operators |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 workhour × $60 per hour = $60 | None | $60 | $60 × 45 = $2,700 |

We estimate the following costs to accomplish the modification:


| Labor cost | Parts cost | Total cost per sailplane | Total cost on U.S. operators |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2 workhours × $60 per hour = $120 | $80 | $200 | $200 × 45 = $9,000 |

### Compliance Time of This AD

Why Is a Compliance Time of 10 Hours Time-in-Service (TIS) Used for the Inspection of the Long Aileron Push Rods?

Normally, FAA uses a 10-hour TIS compliance time for urgent safety of flight conditions. However, sailplane operation varies among operators. It might take operators between 3 months to 12 months or more to accumulate 10 hours TIS. For this reason, FAA has determined that the compliance time of this AD should be 10 hours TIS to ensure this condition is corrected in a timely manner but does not unduly penalize operators.

### Regulatory Impact

Does This AD Impact Various Entities?

The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the final evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

### Adoption of the Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

## Affected data sheets (2) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS G07CE](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/G07CE): Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH; names 5 of 7 models: HK 36 TTC, HK 36 TTS, HK 36 TTC-ECO, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS
- [TCDS G51EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/G51EU): Diamond Aircraft Industries; names 2 of 2 models: H-36 DIMONA, HK 36 R SUPER DIMONA

## Registered aircraft it may apply to (OpenAirDocs)

Matched by airframe and engine model; the AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment.

- Aircraft: 31 (31 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Diamond Aircraft Industries 12, Hoffman-Flugzeugbau 9, Diamond Aircraft Ind 8, Hoac-Austria 2

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 TTC](https://openairdocs.org/model/diamond-aircraft-industries-hk-36-ttc): 11 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Hoffman-Flugzeugbau H 36 DIMONA](https://openairdocs.org/model/hoffman-flugzeugbau-h-36-dimona): 9 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Diamond Aircraft Ind HK 36 TC](https://openairdocs.org/model/diamond-aircraft-ind-hk-36-tc): 5 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Diamond Aircraft Ind HK 36 TTC](https://openairdocs.org/model/diamond-aircraft-ind-hk-36-ttc): 3 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Hoac-Austria HK 36R SUPER DIMONA](https://openairdocs.org/model/hoac-austria-hk-36r-super-dimona): 2 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36R SUPER DIMONA](https://openairdocs.org/model/diamond-aircraft-industries-hk-36r-super-dimona): 1 aircraft (airframe model)

All 6 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-15-01/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-15-01/aircraft.md

## Related documents

- [AD 2002-15-01 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2002-15-01-R1): Long Aileron Push Rods in Both Wings · Diamond Aircraft Industries HK 36 R SUPER DIMONA, HK 36 TC, HK 36 TS and 4 more. Effective Sep 3, 2002. Supersedes this AD
- [Proposed rule 2002-CE-11-AD](https://openairdocs.org/proposed/2002-CE-11-AD): Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), published May 20, 2002

Its text cites no advisory circulars or STCs.

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