EASA AD 2026-0016 — Flight Controls — Spoiler Electrical Control Unit — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0016 is an official regulatory document addressing the replacement of the Spoiler Electrical Control Unit (SPECU) on Dassault Aviation Falcon 7X aeroplanes, including those modified to Falcon 8X standard. The directive mandates the replacement of certain affected SPECUs to prevent hydraulic leakage and potential fire hazards. It applies to all serial numbers of Falcon 7X aircraft and specifies compliance requirements for operators.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2024-0224 and expands the definition of affected SPECUs requiring replacement. It includes additional SPECU part numbers and amendment statuses that were not covered in the previous AD. Dassault also revised the related Service Bulletin 7X-586 to reflect these changes.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving hydraulic leakage and potential fire in the fuel equipment bay due to SPECU failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely replacement of affected units to maintain aircraft airworthiness and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions during ground operations.
What To Do
Operators of Falcon 7X aeroplanes with affected SPECUs must replace these units within 2,400 flight hours or 38 months after 10 December 2024, following Dassault Service Bulletin 7X-586 instructions. Additionally, installation of any affected SPECU on any Falcon 7X is prohibited after the compliance deadline or from the effective date of this AD for aircraft without affected parts. Maintenance teams should verify part eligibility before installation.