5 Feb. 2014

A Tech Note for Grob gliders has recently been issued by the Type Certificate holder, Fiberglas_Technik, Rudolf Lindner of Germany.

TM-G05 Calls for the replacement of the 42mm diameter white or brown plastic pulleys with aluminum ones. The plastic ones crack. This applies to several versions of the G-102 and G-103 gliders.

The pulleys are found on rudder pedals and front mounted tow hooks. Over the last 10 years or so I have replaced several sets of these pulleys. About 75% of the ones I look at are cracked.

The EASA has issued an AD note for this, (AD 14-027). It is highly likely that the FAA will issue an AD note. This concerns a control system and the plastic pulleys have broken. There is no doubt in my mind an FAA AD will be issued.

There are two time lines for replacement depending on how the pulleys are mounted.

I strongly urge US, Canada and Mexico based Grob owners to read and understand the TM. It is available at http://ltb-lindner.com/g-103-ad-sb.html .

I'll be ordering some pulleys but it would be good to know how many owners will need them.

Robert Mudd
Composite Aircraft Repair LLC
Moriarty, New Mexico
Come for the thermals, stay for the sunsets