EASA AD 2025-0103
Hydraulic Power — Main Hydraulic Pump — Master Minimum Equipment List Restriction
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0103 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aeroplanes with ATR modification 05948 incorporated. The directive addresses hydraulic power system concerns related to the main hydraulic pump and introduces a master minimum equipment list (MMEL) restriction to enhance safety. It mandates operational changes to prevent loss of control of hydraulic pumps and nose wheel steering during critical phases of flight.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement to implement specific MMEL items (29-11-01A and 29-11-01B) for ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft to mitigate risks associated with failure of the DC EMER BUS affecting the main hydraulic pump. It establishes a new proviso for dispatching aircraft with a failed main hydraulic pump to ensure appropriate operational restrictions and procedures are followed.
Why It Matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could reduce aircraft controllability on the ground during landing due to hydraulic system failures. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure safe operation under the MMEL restrictions. Compliance helps prevent incidents related to hydraulic pump and nose wheel steering failures, thereby enhancing overall flight safety.
What To Do
Operators of affected ATR 42-500 and ATR 72-212A aircraft must implement the MMEL items related to the main hydraulic pump within three months of the directive's effective date. Flight crews must be informed of the new operational restrictions, and the operator's minimum equipment list (MEL) should be amended accordingly to comply with the directive. Ongoing adherence to these requirements is mandatory for continued airworthiness and safe operation.