EASA AD 2026-0137
Doors – Door Locking Mechanism – Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0137 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Pipistrel Vertical Solutions d.o.o. Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes. It addresses a safety issue related to the door locking mechanism on these aircraft models. The directive mandates modifications to the door locking mechanism to prevent potential in-flight door detachment.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory modification of the left-hand and right-hand door locking mechanisms on affected Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes. It requires compliance within 100 flight hours or 60 days for certain serial-numbered aircraft and establishes conditions for installation of compliant locking mechanisms on all affected aircraft. The directive also provides credit for prior modifications done according to the original service bulletin.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk of in-flight door detachment due to wear in the locking pin, which could cause damage to the aircraft and injury to persons on the ground. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and regulatory approval. Compliance teams need to track affected serial numbers and ensure that only compliant door locking mechanisms are installed going forward.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 Virus SW 121 and SW 128 aeroplanes must modify the door locking mechanisms within 100 flight hours or 60 days from 24 July 2026, whichever occurs first. Maintenance personnel must only install door locking mechanisms that comply with this directive, including those delivered as spares after 15 December 2025 or originally installed on Group 2 aeroplanes. Stakeholders may request alternative methods of compliance from EASA if needed.
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