Summary
This document proposes to revise an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), which would have required inspecting (one-time) the tailplane main fitting on Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (Glaser-Dirks) Model DG-100 sailplanes to ensure the part is accurately welded, and modifying if not accurately welded. A report of tailplane main fitting failure on one of the affected sailplanes, where the welding did not completely cover the entire wall thickness of the fitting, prompted the proposed action. The previous notice was written against all DG-100's; however, if the sailplane is equipped with a horizontal stabilizer and an elevator instead of a L4 tailplane main fitting (main L4 fitting of the all flying tailplane), the proposed AD should not apply. The proposed action would require the same one-time inspection of the tailplane main fitting, but would exclude those sailplanes equipped with a horizontal stabilizer and an elevator. The proposed actions are intended to prevent loss of control of the sailplane because of tailplane main fitting failure.