EASA AD 2021-0117
Landing Gear — Parking Brake System — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0117 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Pipistrel Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes. It addresses a safety issue related to the parking brake system on these aircraft models. The directive mandates a modification to the parking brake system to prevent inadvertent lever movement and brake fluid leakage.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a required modification to the parking brake system on specified Pipistrel Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes. The modification is detailed in Pipistrel Vertical Solutions Service Bulletin SB-121-00-80-015 and aims to correct issues where the parking brake lever could unintentionally shift from OFF to ON and cause brake fluid hose detachment.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the identified issue could degrade brake performance, potentially reducing control of the aircraft during landing or roll-out. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. Failure to address this could lead to unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes must modify the parking brake system in accordance with the instructions in the referenced service bulletin. This modification must be completed within four months from the effective date of 10 May 2021. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved by EASA if requested and substantiated.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.