EASA AD 2020-0177
Aircraft Flight Manual — Sections Limitations and Emergency Procedures — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0177 is an amendment to the Aircraft Flight Manual sections on Limitations and Emergency Procedures for ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of ATR 42-200 through ATR 42-500 models and ATR 72-101 through ATR 72-212A models. The directive updates procedures related to severe icing conditions to enhance safety and operational margins.
What Changed
This amendment requires updating the Aircraft Flight Manual to Revision 3, which includes revised limitations and emergency procedures for severe icing conditions. The changes increase maneuvering and operating speeds to provide better stall margins during severe icing encounters and incorporate recommendations from the Upset Recovery Working Group. It supersedes previous French ADs related to severe icing procedures and speed margins.
Why It Matters
The updated procedures and limitations improve flight safety by reducing the risk of loss of control due to severe icing conditions, which have been identified as a hazard through in-service experience. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The changes also align with regulatory requirements for continued airworthiness and help crews respond effectively to severe icing scenarios.
What To Do
Operators must amend the Aircraft Flight Manual with the specified Revision 3 data within six months of the effective date, inform all flight crews of the changes, and operate the aircraft accordingly. Incorporating later approved revisions containing the same content is acceptable. Compliance with this AD also satisfies previous related French AD requirements.
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