EASA AD 2022-0109
Flight Controls — Elevator Long Pushrod — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0109 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Sonaca S200 and S201 aeroplanes. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for the elevator long pushrod (ELP) due to a production deviation that may cause incorrect assembly of pushrod ends. The directive mandates inspections and potential replacement of affected parts to ensure flight control integrity.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory one-time and repetitive inspections of the elevator long pushrod connections on Sonaca S200 and S201 aircraft. It requires replacement of any non-conforming affected parts with serviceable parts and prohibits installation of affected parts after the directive's effective date. The directive also establishes reporting requirements to Sonaca Aircraft.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk involving the elevator long pushrod, a key flight control component. Failure to detect and correct the issue could lead to fatigue damage and possible loss of flight control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure safe operation.
What To Do
Operators of Sonaca S200 and S201 aeroplanes must inspect the elevator long pushrod within specified flight hour limits after the directive's effective date, perform repetitive inspections if affected parts are found, and replace any non-conforming parts within 12 months. They must also report inspection and replacement results to Sonaca Aircraft and avoid installing affected parts after the compliance deadlines.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.