EASA AD 2025-0160
Flight Controls — Lower Rudder Hinge Fitting — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0160 is an official safety directive addressing the inspection of the lower rudder hinge fitting on DAHER Aerospace TB 9, TB 10, TB 200, TB 20, and TB 21 aeroplanes. This directive mandates repetitive visual inspections to detect potential cracks or failures in the lower rudder hinge fitting, a critical flight control component. The directive aims to prevent loss of control caused by separation between the rudder and its control linkage.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0160 supersedes the previous DGAC France AD 2001-002(A) by introducing a requirement for repetitive inspections of the lower rudder hinge fitting, which were previously omitted. It retains the original inspection requirements but adds ongoing periodic inspections to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
Why It Matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals as it addresses a known unsafe condition that could lead to loss of aircraft control if undetected. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure the structural integrity of the rudder control system, thereby maintaining flight safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding of affected aircraft or unsafe flight conditions.
What To Do
Operators of DAHER Aerospace TB 9, TB 10, TB 200, TB 20, and TB 21 aeroplanes must perform a visual inspection of the lower rudder hinge fitting within 3 months after 8 August 2025 or within 12 months since the last inspection, whichever is later. Inspections must then be repeated at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If any discrepancies are found, repair instructions from DAHER Aerospace must be obtained and implemented before the next flight.