Bruce, To clarify, the Blanik L-23 has a different tail design than the L-13.
The T-Tail elevator rocker arm easily reinstalls either way. "Round Up" is
the key to make it right. The maintenance manual doesn't show it clearly, so
consider it a 50/50 chance that the part (if no notes are made at disassembly)
will be reinstalled incorrectly after the magnaflux testing for cracks. You
cannot mark the part as it must be stripped of all paint and cleaned before the
magnaflux testing process. The easy way is to know that the round side, not
the flat side of the arm installs to the top of the glider. So "round up"!
If the arm is reinstalled upside down, everything fits and looks fine, nothing
rubs or interferes, but not enough "up" elevator. I hope this reassembly
situation doesn't cause more accidents that the bad welds themselves!

Just got word that FAA in USA is considering an Airworthiness Directive on the
elevator rocker arms in L-23's. If it follows the factory bulletin, testing
will be required before the next flight.

Vitek at Blanik America will have all the details and replacement arms.

Burt Compton
Marfa Gliders, west Texas
www.flygliders.com