Yikes, glad I don't have a Pegasus!

I spoke with Greg Davison at the FAA in Oklahoma City the other day and
he gave me the scoop on the AD and its implications.

Yes, technically there is a 3000 hour life limit on all Pegasus gliders
sold in the US. This is not an FAA rule- it came from Centrair. The
glider is certified to 12,000 hours in Europe, but the US STC was only
for 3000 hours. As a result, the AD had to be issued.

Don't panic, though. Greg has met with Centrair and they have agreed to
issue a 3000 hr. inspection protocol like other gliders require. Once
this inspection reqirement is issued (probably in the Spring of 2006),
the FAA will put out another AD that will supersede this one.

Greg realized that the 3000 hr. limit is not realistic, and Centrair
agrees. It was just a screwup when the glider was originally certified
in the early 1980's. I have been assured that the problem WILL be
fixed. It is just that the FAA had to comply with the original
manufacturer's intent and the resulting limit.

Greg was extremely helpful in explaining the situation. He has promised
to keep poking at Centrair until they come up with the 3000 hr.
inspection regimen. Greg suggested I call him in February 2006 to check
on Centrair's progress.

My Pegasus has around 2400 hrs. so I was more than just a little
concerned. Especially because I usually put 200+ hrs per year on my
glider. I am encouraged by his response, and I am back to getting a
decent night's sleep.

An email to Centrair urging them to work on the inspection protocol
might be a good idea. )

Mark Mocho