EASA AD 2019-0119-E: Flight Controls — Flap Actuator — Inspection / Replacement

What to do

Operators must perform an initial fluorescent dye penetrant inspection within 10 flight hours or 30 days after 31 May 2019, depending on the flight hours accumulated by the flap actuator. Subsequent visual inspections are required every 100 flight hours. Any cracked or damaged flap actuator must be replaced before the next flight with a serviceable part. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they meet serviceability requirements and are inspected as specified.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0119-E is an emergency directive addressing flap actuator inspections and replacements for Leonardo S.p.A. F260 series aeroplanes, including F260, F260B, F260C, F260D, F260E, F260F, and SF260TP models. The directive targets flap actuators with specific part numbers SF260-12-215-01, SF260-12-215-101, and SF260-12-215-09 due to detected cracks. It mandates inspections and potential replacement to ensure continued airworthiness.

What changed

This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of affected flap actuators using fluorescent dye penetrant and visual methods. It requires replacement of any cracked or damaged flap actuator parts with serviceable ones. The directive also allows installation of affected parts only if they meet serviceability criteria and are inspected accordingly.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety hazard that could lead to flap actuator failure and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight control issues and ensure regulatory compliance. The directive also impacts parts management by restricting installation to inspected and serviceable flap actuators.