EASA AD 2023-0183-E
Powerplant — Engine Mass Ballast — Removal / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0183-E is an emergency directive addressing the removal or modification of engine mass ballast on BRM Aero s.r.o. Bristell B23 aeroplanes equipped with Rotax 912 engines. It targets specific mass ballast parts identified as unsafe due to potential in-flight detachment risks. The directive applies to aircraft without the design change ADxC-73-DC-061 installed.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive requires the removal or replacement of affected engine mass ballast parts and prohibits their reinstallation. It introduces compliance instructions based on Aircraft Design Certification GmbH Service Bulletin ADxC-73-SB-029. The directive mandates corrective action within a very short timeframe to mitigate the risk of engine ballast detachment.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential in-flight engine ballast loss, which could cause injury to people on the ground or damage to the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure affected parts are addressed promptly to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of Bristell B23 aeroplanes with affected mass ballast parts must remove or replace these parts within 5 flight hours or 5 flight cycles after 23 October 2023, whichever occurs first. From the effective date, reinstallation of the affected parts is prohibited. Compliance must follow the instructions detailed in ADC Service Bulletin ADxC-73-SB-029 issue B or later approved revisions.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.