Flight Controls – Flaperon Bellcrank Bolt – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2025-0023-E, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Virus SW 121, SW 121A, SW 121C, and Virus SW 128 aeroplanes must remove and reinstall the flaperon bellcrank bolt within 10 flight hours from 18 April 2023, following the instructions in the referenced service bulletin. Maintenance teams should ensure the correct application of the service bulletin procedures and document compliance accordingly.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0079-E is an emergency directive affecting Pipistrel Vertical Solutions Virus SW 121, SW 121A, SW 121C, and Virus SW 128 aeroplanes. It addresses a safety issue related to the flaperon bellcrank bolt installation on these aircraft. The directive mandates inspection and reinstallation of the flaperon bellcrank bolt to ensure proper flight control functionality.
What changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive requires the removal and reinstallation of the flaperon bellcrank bolt on affected Pipistrel Virus models. It introduces mandatory compliance with the instructions provided in Pipistrel Vertical Solutions Service Bulletin SB-121-00-80-028 to correct an incorrect installation found in production. No previous directives are superseded by this AD.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because a loose or incorrectly installed flaperon bellcrank bolt can lead to malfunction of the control stick, potentially reducing aircraft controllability. Operators and maintenance organizations must address this issue promptly to maintain airworthiness and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply could compromise flight safety and regulatory compliance.
More for Pipistrel Vertical Solutions D.O.O. Virus SW
All 10- EASA AD 2026-0137R1Doors – Door Locking Mechanism – ModificationSep 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0137Doors – Door Locking Mechanism – ModificationJul 10, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0023-EFlight Controls - Flaperon Bellcrank Bolt - InspectionJan 22, 2025
- EASA AD 2024-0246Electrical Power — Software and Data Recording System — UpgradeDec 17, 2024
- EASA AD 2023-0077Electrical Power — Voltage Regulator Wiring — ReplacementApr 11, 2023
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for these 5 aircraft types, summarized like this page, every Monday.