# AD 78-23-02: Tow Release Mechanism

- Type: Airworthiness directive
- Status: Current
- Products: DG Flugzeugbau LS-3 and LS1-f
- Effective: November 16, 1978
- Superseded by: Nothing supersedes this AD
- Product type: Aircraft, Glider
- Amendment: 39-3336
- Registered aircraft: 37 may be affected, by airframe or engine model (OpenAirDocs)
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/3CA51AB17A922B1F86256A54006DD457.0001
- DRS record last changed: May 30, 2024
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ad/78-23-02

## The airworthiness directive

78-23-02 ROLLADEN SCHNEIDER: Amendment 39-3336. Applies to Model LS1-f and LS3 gliders, all serial numbers, certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed one year from the last inspection until the tow release mechanism cable is replaced in accordance with the method specified in paragraph (b) of this AD.

To prevent a tow release mechanism cable failure due to corrosion or cable strand damage, accomplish the following:

  (a) Remove the seat pan from the aircraft and using care not to damage the CG tow release mechanism cable, cut out approximately four (4) inches of the plastic fairlead (tube) covering the tow release mechanism cable, preferably at a low point in the cable run and just forward of the landing gear box. Move the tow release mechanism cable forwards and backwards through the cutout in the plastic tube and inspect the cable for corrosion or cable strand damage.

  (b) If during an inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, corrosion or cable strand damage is found, before further flight, replace the two release mechanism cable with a new stainless steel cable of 2.4 mm diameter, LN9389 or U.S. equivalent MIL-W-5424B, in accordance with Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletins No. 35 dated May 12, 1978, or No. 3007 dated May 12, 1978, as applicable or in accordance with criteria provided in Chapter 4 of FAA Advisory Circular 43.13-1A "Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair" or equivalent procedure approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa, and Middle East Region.

NOTE: Rolladen Schneider Technical Bulletins No. 35 dated 5/12/78 applicable to the Model LS1-f glider and No. 3007 dated 5/12/78 applicable to the Model LS3 glider pertain to the same subject as this AD.

This amendment becomes effective November 16, 1978.

## Affected data sheets (2) (OpenAirDocs)

The type certificate data sheets whose models the AD names.

- [TCDS G35EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/G35EU): DG Aviation GmbH; names 1 of 1 models: LS1-f
- [TCDS G37EU](https://openairdocs.org/tcds/G37EU): DG Aviation GmbH; names 1 of 2 models: LS-3

## 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: 37 (37 by airframe model, 0 by engine model)
- Makers: Rolladen-Schneider 22, Rolladen-Schneider OHG 15

Models with the most aircraft:

- [Rolladen-Schneider LS-3](https://openairdocs.org/model/rolladen-schneider-ls-3): 22 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Rolladen-Schneider OHG LS1-F](https://openairdocs.org/model/rolladen-schneider-ohg-ls1-f): 14 aircraft (airframe model)
- [Rolladen-Schneider OHG LS 3](https://openairdocs.org/model/rolladen-schneider-ohg-ls-3): 1 aircraft (airframe model)

All 3 models: https://openairdocs.org/ad/78-23-02/models.md
Every aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/ad/78-23-02/aircraft.md

## Related documents

- [AC 43.13-1B CHG 1 Ed Update](https://openairdocs.org/ac/43.13-1): Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices—Aircraft Inspection and Repair. Cited as AC 43.13-1A in the AD's requirements

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