EASA AD 2021-0234R1
Information Systems — Electronic Flight Bag Universal Serial Bus Receptacle — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0234R1 is a regulatory update addressing the modification of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Universal Serial Bus (USB) receptacles installed on various aircraft including Fokker F27 and F28 models, Airbus A318 through A340 series, ATR42 and ATR72, Boeing 737 through 777 models, Bombardier CL-600 series, and De Havilland Canada DHC-8 aircraft. The directive mandates modifications to affected USB receptacles to prevent overheating and potential smoke or fumes in the cockpit. This AD applies to specific manufacturer serial numbers as detailed in the directive's appendix.
What Changed
This revision of EASA AD 2021-0234 corrects an omission by including certain minor modifications that were previously left out of the affected design changes list. It retains all original requirements and applicability but clarifies and expands the list of affected aircraft serial numbers. The directive continues to require modification of the USB receptacles to the updated part number with current limiting and overheat protection.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving smoke and fumes in the cockpit caused by overheating USB receptacles in Electronic Flight Bags. Compliance reduces the risk of in-flight incidents that could increase flight crew workload or cause injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure affected aircraft are modified to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators must modify each affected USB receptacle according to the applicable Fokker Services service or engineering bulletins within 12 months of the original effective dates: by 14 December 2019 for Group 1 aircraft and by 11 November 2022 for Group 2 aircraft. After modification, installation of the affected USB receptacle parts is prohibited. Compliance with the specified service bulletins is mandatory to meet the AD requirements.
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