EASA AD 2020-0278
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0281
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0278 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all Pilatus PC-6 aeroplanes. It mandates updated maintenance tasks and inspections, including a one-time Eddy Current inspection of fuselage wing fittings and wing to fuselage fittings, to ensure continued airworthiness and address a potential unsafe condition related to wing attachment fatigue failure.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2020-0120 and introduces corrected inspection procedures for fuselage wing fittings, specifically requiring the installation of bush Part Number 6100.0020.01 with grease. It also mandates additional one-time Eddy Current inspections and updates to the Aircraft Maintenance Programme to incorporate new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits.
Why It Matters
Compliance with EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0278 is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential loss of control due to undetected cracks in wing to fuselage attachment points. It ensures that maintenance programs reflect the latest safety standards and inspection techniques, thereby maintaining the structural integrity and safety of Pilatus PC-6 aeroplanes.
What To Do
Operators must perform the required one-time Eddy Current inspection during the next scheduled inspection if previous inspections did not meet new requirements. They must also replace life-limited components before exceeding their limits and update the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to include the new maintenance tasks and limitations. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before further flight according to the instructions in the Airworthiness Limitations Section.
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