EASA AD 2024-0096R1
Flight Controls — Rudder Travel Limiting Unit — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0096R1 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection and corrective actions for the rudder travel limiting unit (TLU) lever on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aeroplanes. It applies to specific TLU levers identified by part numbers and manufacturing batches that may suffer from corrosion due to improper heat treatment. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and conductivity tests to detect corrosion and prevent potential loss of rudder control.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0096R1 revises the previous AD 2024-0096 by clarifying that TLU levers installed before 1 January 2016 are not affected. It expands the list of affected parts and better defines the terminating actions for repetitive inspections. The revision also retains the inspection and testing requirements while improving compliance clarity.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because corrosion-induced failure of the rudder travel limiting unit could lead to uncontrolled rudder deflections and potential loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. The AD helps prevent in-service failures by requiring timely inspections and corrective actions.
What To Do
Operators of ATR 42-400, ATR 42-500, and ATR 72 series aeroplanes must perform detailed visual inspections of affected TLU levers within 30 days of 9 May 2024 and repeat every three months. If corrosion is found, a conductivity test must be done before the next flight. Conductivity testing is also required within 750 flight hours or 9 months after 9 May 2024 if no prior discrepancies are found. Corrective actions must be taken as instructed by ATR, and affected parts must not be installed after 9 May 2024.