EASA AD 2021-0020
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2021-0213
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0020 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting ATR 72-101, ATR 72-102, ATR 72-201, ATR 72-202, ATR 72-211, ATR 72-212, and ATR 72-212A aeroplanes. It mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and certification maintenance requirements as specified in the ATR 72 Time Limits Document Revision 18. This directive ensures continued safe operation by enforcing maintenance tasks and life limits for components on these aircraft models.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0020 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0173 and introduces new and/or more restrictive maintenance tasks and limitations as defined in the ATR 72 Time Limits Document Revision 18. It requires operators to replace components before exceeding life limits and to perform maintenance tasks within specified thresholds and intervals. The directive also mandates updating the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme to incorporate these new requirements within 12 months of the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the continuing airworthiness and safety of ATR 72 aircraft by enforcing updated maintenance standards. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these requirements to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe aircraft operation and potential regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 72 models must comply with the updated maintenance tasks and component life limits as specified in the ATR 72 Time Limits Document Revision 18 starting from 29 January 2021. They must replace components before exceeding life limits and perform all required maintenance within the specified intervals. Additionally, the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised to include these new tasks and limitations within 12 months of the effective date.
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