EASA AD 2018-0017
Landing Gear — Nose Landing Gear Oleo Outer Cylinder Support Plate — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0017 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of the nose landing gear oleo outer cylinder support plate on CEAPR HR 100 and R 1180 aeroplanes. It applies to all serial numbers of HR 100/200, HR 100/200 B, HR 100/210, HR 100/210 D, R 1180 T, and R 1180 TD models. The directive mandates repetitive visual and dye penetrant inspections to detect cracks and requires replacement of any cracked parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA AD 2018-0017 introduces updated inspection instructions and intervals for the nose landing gear oleo outer cylinder support plate on HR 100 and R 1180 aeroplanes, replacing the previous requirements from EASA AD 2010-0231. It requires incorporation of these inspections into the approved aircraft maintenance program and cancels the superseded AD. The directive does not require installation of a new design nose landing gear as mandated for other aircraft models.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a known safety risk of nose landing gear collapse due to fatigue cracks in the support plate welds. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential landing gear failure, which could cause aircraft damage and occupant injury. Ensuring adherence to the updated inspection intervals and procedures supports regulatory compliance and enhances flight safety.
What To Do
Operators must perform visual inspections within the next scheduled 100 flight hours or annual inspection and dye penetrant inspections every 2,000 flight hours or 6 years, following the CEAPR Service Bulletin 160402 instructions. Inspections must also be conducted after any hard landing before the next flight. Any cracked parts found must be replaced before further flight. Additionally, the approved aircraft maintenance program must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to include these inspection requirements.
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