EASA AD 2020-0284
Equipment / Furnishings — Cabin Seat Pin and Plate — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0284 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X, Falcon 900EX, and Falcon 2000EX aeroplanes. It addresses an issue with Collins Aerospace UCT cabin seats, specifically certain seat pin and plate assemblies that may have a manufacturing misalignment. The directive mandates inspection and corrective actions to ensure seat recline locking mechanisms function correctly.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected Collins Aerospace cabin seats installed on specified Dassault Falcon models. It requires operators to inspect seats within defined flight hour limits and perform corrective actions if discrepancies are found. Additionally, it prohibits installation or reinstallation of affected seats unless they have been modified according to the specified service bulletin.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the identified seat pin and plate misalignment can compromise the recline locking mechanism, potentially reducing seat performance during crash loads and increasing injury risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. Failure to comply could result in regulatory penalties and increased safety risks during taxi, take-off, and landing phases.
What To Do
Operators of Falcon 7X aircraft must inspect affected seats within 80 flight hours, while Falcon 900EX and Falcon 2000EX operators have a 50 flight hour compliance window. If any discrepancies are found during inspection, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight, including installing a modification tag. Installation of affected seats is prohibited unless they have been modified as per the service bulletin. Group 2 aeroplanes without affected seats must not install such seats from the effective date.
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