EASA AD 2021-0104
Fuselage — Skin Panels — Inspections
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0104 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Piaggio P.180 Avanti II aeroplanes with manufacturer serial numbers 1174 to 1214 inclusive and 1218 to 1230 inclusive. The directive addresses corrosion found on the fuselage lower skin panels, particularly on the inner side in the passenger cabin area. It mandates inspections and possible repairs to ensure structural integrity of the affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the fuselage lower skin panels for corrosion, with specific compliance times depending on the inspection history of the aircraft. It requires visual inspections following Piaggio Service Bulletin 80-0405 and mandates repairs or panel replacements if corrosion is detected. Additionally, it requires reporting inspection results to Piaggio.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected corrosion can compromise the structural integrity of the fuselage, posing safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and avoid grounding of affected aircraft. The directive also provides clear guidance on inspection intervals and corrective actions, facilitating regulatory compliance and safety management.
What To Do
Operators of affected Piaggio P.180 Avanti II aeroplanes must perform initial inspections within 8 months for Group 1 aircraft or within 12 months for Group 2 aircraft from the effective date of 29 April 2021. Inspections must then be repeated every 660 flight hours or 26 months, whichever occurs first. If corrosion is found, a full inner fuselage skin inspection and necessary repairs or panel replacements must be completed before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Piaggio within 60 days of detection.
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