EASA AD 2018-0018
Landing Gear — Nose Landing Gear Oleo Outer Cylinder Support Plate — Inspection / Repair / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0018 addresses inspection, repair, and replacement requirements for the nose landing gear (NLG) oleo outer cylinder support plate on CEAPR DR 253, DR 300, and DR 400 series aeroplanes. It applies to various models including DR 253, DR 300/108, DR 400/180, and others, focusing on types 1, 2, and 3 NLG oleo outer cylinders. The directive mandates inspections and life limits to prevent potential NLG collapse due to fatigue cracks in the welds.
What Changed
This directive introduces new inspection intervals and life limits for affected NLG oleo outer cylinders, replacing the previous requirements from EASA AD 2010-0231. It requires operators to perform repetitive visual and dye penetrant inspections, implement life limits for parts, and replace affected parts with a type 4 NLG oleo outer cylinder. Additionally, it mandates updating the aircraft maintenance program to include these inspections.
Why It Matters
Compliance with EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0018 is critical to prevent nose landing gear collapse caused by undetected fatigue cracks, which could lead to aircraft damage and occupant injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and part replacements to maintain airworthiness and safety. The directive also streamlines compliance by integrating inspection tasks into approved maintenance programs, reducing administrative burden.
What To Do
Operators must perform visual inspections within the next 100 flight hours or annual inspection after 9 February 2018 and repeat every 100 flight hours or annual inspection. Dye penetrant inspections are required every 2,000 flight hours or six years. Affected parts must be repaired or replaced before exceeding specified life limits, and within 530 flight hours or 13 months after life limits are exceeded, parts must be replaced with type 4 cylinders. Maintenance programs must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate these requirements.
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