EASA AD 2020-0120
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0278
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0120 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Pilatus PC-6 aeroplanes. It mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the latest Pilatus PC-6 Aircraft Maintenance Manual and Airworthiness Limitations Section documents. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by requiring specific inspections and maintenance actions for these aircraft.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0120 supersedes the previous AD 2018-0285 and introduces new data modules requiring non-destructive Eddy Current inspections for fuselage wing fittings and wing to fuselage fittings, replacing the previously accepted fluorescent dye-penetrant method. It retains prior requirements while adding a one-time Eddy Current inspection for certain aircraft and updates maintenance tasks and life limits as per the latest approved documentation.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the structural integrity and safety of Pilatus PC-6 aeroplanes by enforcing updated inspection methods and maintenance limits. Compliance prevents unsafe conditions that could arise from undetected structural issues. It also ensures that maintenance programs are aligned with the latest approved airworthiness limitations, facilitating regulatory compliance and continued airworthiness.
What To Do
Operators must perform a one-time Eddy Current inspection of the fuselage wing fittings and wing to fuselage fittings during the next scheduled inspection if prior inspections used the fluorescent dye-penetrant method or lack proper records. They must also update their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the new limitations and tasks. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be corrected according to Pilatus maintenance documentation before further flight.
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