EASA AD 2019-0016
Flight Controls — Rudder Control Pedal Torque Tubes — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0016 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of rudder control pedal torque tubes on ASI Aviation F 406 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections and, if necessary, replacement of the left-hand and right-hand rudder control pedal torque tubes, part numbers 5115260-1 and 5115260-2 respectively, to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0016 supersedes the previous AD 2015-0159R1 and introduces requirements for repetitive visual, dye- or fluorescent-penetrant, and magnetic particle inspections of the rudder control pedal torque tubes. It also retains previous inspection and replacement requirements while adding ongoing inspection intervals to detect cracks and prevent failures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of the rudder control pedal torque tubes can lead to reduced aircraft control, posing a safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure the structural integrity of these components, thereby maintaining flight safety and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of F 406 aeroplanes must perform initial inspections before the next flight after 3 August 2015, followed by magnetic particle inspections within 100 flight hours if no cracks are found. Repetitive inspections are required every 600 and 2,400 flight hours respectively, with immediate replacement of any cracked parts before further flight. Only serviceable parts may be installed from 3 August 2015 onward.
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