On Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 1:21:08 PM UTC-5, wrote:
I noticed the SZD-55 has a service life of only 3,000 hrs with a possible 1,500 hr extension. Is this typical of other modern ships like the Discus, Ventus, LS, DG series etc??


Not accurate information. Service Bulletin BE-012/55-1/2012 extends the service life of the SZD-55-1 to 12,000 hours (from 3,000). It requires periodic inspections every 1,500 hours with the results sent to the Type Certificate Holder (TCH) who responds with a life extension for the next 1,500 hours, up to 12,000 hours), some FM and TSM pages changes.

In the preamble, in part:
"To extend the life-limit of an airframe of SZD-55-1 / SZD-55-1XM the Allstar PZL Glider (TCH) has completed the actions as follows:
- precise check of four gliders S/N 551193056, 551190005, 551191010
& 551192042, respectively after 2908, 3341, 2978 & 2963 FH TT (total time);
- fatigue characteristic of SZD-55-1 airframe structure;
- fatigue test of wing connection’s node."

A copy of the SB is on the SZD-55 Yahoo group, which I moderate.

Dan
2D (551190001 - still a baby at 1,006 hrs)