Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Damage Tolerance of Fatigue Critical Structure — Implementation
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform all applicable maintenance tasks within the thresholds and intervals specified in the updated ICA Supplement starting from 23 June 2021. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be reported to Fokker Services for approved corrective actions before the next flight. Additionally, the Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised to incorporate the updated tasks and limitations within 12 months of the effective date to ensure ongoing compliance.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0138 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Boeing 747-400F aeroplanes equipped with EASA Supplemental Type Certificate 10068342. It mandates updated maintenance checks and time limits related to the damage tolerance of fatigue critical structures following the installation of a dual non-activated GNSS unit and antenna. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by requiring compliance with revised maintenance programs and instructions.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0138 introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and intervals as specified in the updated Instructions for Continued Airworthiness Supplement issued by Fokker Services. It replaces four previous ICA Supplements with a consolidated and updated document that includes additional or reduced thresholds and intervals for maintenance tasks. This directive requires operators to incorporate these changes into their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses potential unsafe conditions related to fatigue critical structures on Boeing 747-400F aircraft with the specified STC installation. Compliance ensures the structural integrity and safety of the aircraft, preventing possible failures due to fatigue. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must update their maintenance programs to meet the new requirements and avoid regulatory violations or unsafe operations.
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