EASA AD 2018-0016
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Drag Stay Units — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0016 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of main landing gear drag stay units on Fokker F27 Mark 050, Mark 0502, and Mark 0604 aeroplanes. It targets specific SAFRAN Landing Systems drag stay units and tubes with part numbers identified as having potential fatigue crack issues due to manufacturing defects. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness of affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected drag stay units to detect the presence of drag stay tubes with a stepped bore that may cause fatigue cracks. It also requires replacement or non-destructive testing of these parts depending on inspection results. The directive cancels the previous CAA-NL AD (BLA) 93-169/2 and updates maintenance procedures to prevent reintroduction of unsafe parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a known unsafe condition that could lead to main landing gear collapse, risking aircraft damage and occupant injury during landing. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. It ensures that only serviceable drag stay units without manufacturing defects remain installed, reducing the risk of fatigue failure.
What To Do
Operators of Fokker F27 Mark 050, 0502, and 0604 aeroplanes must inspect all affected drag stay units within 12 months of the effective date, following the specified service bulletin instructions. If defective parts are found, they must be replaced before the next flight. Non-destructive testing and re-identification procedures must be performed as required, and no affected drag stay units may be installed unless confirmed serviceable.
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