EASA AD 2020-0235
Equipment / Furnishings — Seat Belt Restraint System — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0235 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Sonaca Aircraft S.A. S2 aeroplanes, specifically models S200 and S201. It addresses the seat belt restraint system, focusing on the inspection and modification of seat belt assemblies with part numbers A-RF-ASE-001-L and A-RF-ASE-001-R. The directive mandates inspections and modifications to ensure the presence of thimbles in the seat belt upper restraint system to prevent cable wear and potential failure.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0235 introduces a requirement for a one-time inspection and repetitive inspections of the seat belt shoulder restraint cables and fittings on affected Sonaca S2 aeroplanes. It mandates modification by installing thimbles if they are missing and requires installation of a rear fuselage inspection hatch before or concurrent with the initial inspection. This is a new directive addressing a previously unregulated design error in the seat belt assemblies.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to seat belt restraint system integrity, which could lead to occupant injury during emergency landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. The directive also impacts parts installation procedures and ongoing maintenance schedules for affected aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of Sonaca S2 aeroplanes must perform an initial inspection of the seat belt restraint assemblies within specified flight hour or calendar month limits, then continue inspections every 2,000 flight hours or 10 years. If thimbles are missing, they must modify the assemblies by installing them according to the Sonaca service bulletin. Additionally, a rear fuselage inspection hatch must be installed before or at the time of the initial inspection. Repairs or replacements must be done immediately if worn or damaged components are found.
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