Flight Controls — Stabilator Trim Control Cable — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0262
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Vulcanair P.68 aeroplanes must inspect the specified stabilator trim control cables before they exceed 400 flight hours since first installation or within 50 flight hours after 14 December 2020, and then every 50 flight hours thereafter. If damage is found, the cable must be replaced with a new serviceable part or the aircraft modified per Vulcanair SB 264 instructions. Installing affected parts is permitted only if they are new and inspected as required. The modification SB 264 can be applied to terminate repetitive inspections.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0262R1 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing the inspection and replacement of stabilator trim control cables on Vulcanair P.68 series aeroplanes, including P.68R "Victor", P.68C, P.68C-TC, P.68 "Observer", P.68 "Observer 2", and P.68TC "Observer" models. The directive targets specific part numbers of stabilator trim control cables that have been found damaged due to a design issue, potentially affecting aircraft control. It mandates repetitive inspections and allows for an optional modification to terminate these inspections.
What changed
This revision of EASA AD 2020-0262 includes reference to a new Vulcanair Service Bulletin 264, which introduces an improved pulley system as a modification option. The applicability of the AD has been reduced to exclude certain serial numbers, and the modification SB is now recognized as a terminating action for the repetitive inspections previously required. The revision also updates inspection intervals and clarifies replacement and installation conditions.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a design-related safety risk that could lead to loss of stabilator trim control, impacting aircraft handling. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent potential control issues and maintain airworthiness. The introduction of a modification option provides a practical solution to reduce ongoing inspection burdens and enhance safety.
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