EASA AD 2024-0192
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Piston — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0192 is issued for Fokker F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 aeroplanes equipped with Collins Aerospace main landing gear pistons having part numbers 41050-7 to -16 or 41060-3 to -6, except those already modified by Fokker Services Service Bulletin SBF100-32-172. This directive mandates inspections of the main landing gear piston, specifically targeting pistons modified by Aerospace NDI Pty Ltd with part number 41141-5, to detect cracks caused by stress corrosion. The directive aims to prevent structural failure and potential collapse of the main landing gear during operation.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0192 supersedes AD 2024-0176 and updates the inspection intervals by introducing a requirement to base repetitive detailed inspections on both flight days and flight cycles. It retains the previous inspection and replacement requirements but clarifies the compliance intervals to enhance safety monitoring of affected landing gear pistons.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving stress corrosion cracking in main landing gear pistons, which could lead to gear collapse and endanger aircraft and occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection intervals to ensure early detection and replacement of cracked parts, maintaining aircraft airworthiness and preventing accidents.
What To Do
Operators of affected Fokker F28 Mark 0070 and 0100 aeroplanes must perform a detailed inspection of the lower aft side of each affected main landing gear piston within 30 days after 18 September 2024 and continue inspections every 48 hours or 8 flight cycles, whichever occurs first. Any cracked piston found must be replaced before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Fokker Services within 15 days of the initial inspection and after any subsequent findings. Replacement of all affected parts with serviceable parts terminates the repetitive inspection requirement.