EASA AD 2018-0125
Engine — Turbocharger Waste Gate Controller and Control Rod Circlip — Life Limit / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0125 addresses the turbocharger waste gate controller and control rod circlip life limits and modifications for Austro Engine GmbH E4 and E4P engines. These engines are commonly installed on Diamond Aircraft Industries models DA 40 NG, DA 42 NG, DA 42 M-NG, and DA 62. The directive mandates modifications to prevent failures that could lead to engine power loss and reduced aircraft control.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0125 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0250 and introduces a modification requiring the installation of a waste-gate control-rod fail-safe bridge and a new spring-loaded circlip. This modification cancels the previous life limit replacement requirements for the waste gate controller and circlip. The AD also prohibits installation of non-spring-loaded circlips from January 1, 2018 onward.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the continued airworthiness and safe operation of affected Austro Engine E4 series engines. Compliance prevents turbocharger waste gate control rod failures that could cause engine power loss and compromise aircraft control. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these requirements to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators must replace the waste gate controller and circlip at specified intervals unless the engine is modified with the fail-safe bridge and new circlip within 200 flight hours or 6 months after July 4, 2018. Installation of non-spring-loaded circlips is prohibited from January 1, 2018. The modification cancels the need for repeated replacements, so affected stakeholders should schedule and complete the modification promptly to comply with the AD.
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