EASA AD 2024-0124
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Hinge Pins — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0124 is an airworthiness directive addressing the replacement of main landing gear hinge pins on ATR 72 series aeroplanes, including models ATR 72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A. The directive targets specific hinge pins with part number D61000 and certain serial numbers that have been identified as potentially defective due to thermal abuse during production. This directive mandates replacement to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0124 introduces a new mandatory requirement to replace affected main landing gear hinge pins on ATR 72 aeroplanes within six months of the effective date. It prohibits the installation or reinstallation of the affected hinge pins and provides an alternative compliance method involving replacement of the entire landing gear assembly with one containing serviceable parts. This is a new directive and does not supersede any previous AD.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected hinge pins have been found to suffer from structural weakness due to undetected thermal damage, which could lead to landing gear collapse. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must address this issue promptly to prevent potential accidents, ensure aircraft safety, and maintain regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding of aircraft or unsafe operations.
What To Do
Operators of ATR 72-101, -102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A aeroplanes must identify if their aircraft have affected hinge pins installed and replace them with serviceable parts within six months from 15 July 2024. Installation of affected hinge pins is prohibited from the effective date. Alternatively, replacing the entire main landing gear with one containing serviceable parts is acceptable. Compliance must follow the instructions in SAFRAN Landing Systems Service Bulletin 631-32-295.