EASA AD 21-082
Flight Controls — Horizontal Stabiliser / Actuator Bracket Attachment Bolts — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive Proposal PAD No. 21-082 addresses inspection and replacement requirements for the horizontal stabiliser actuator bracket attachment bolts on Irkut Corporation JSC RRJ-95B aeroplanes, serial numbers 95007 through 95206. The directive targets the 8 mm attachment bolts of the stabilizer trimming mechanism attachment bracket to prevent potential failure. This proposal aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of the affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new proposed airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive detailed visual inspections and eventual replacement of the affected attachment bolts. It replaces previous Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (FATA) directives which are not adopted by EASA. The directive requires inspections before 1,000 flight cycles or within 200 flight cycles after the AD's effective date, with recurring inspections every 500 flight cycles or 750 flight hours, and mandates replacement within 36 months if damage is found or as a terminating action.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to failure of the horizontal stabiliser actuator bracket, risking loss of longitudinal trim control and possible loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. The directive ensures that damage caused by manufacturing process issues is detected and corrected timely, preventing in-flight failures.
What To Do
Operators of RRJ-95B aeroplanes with serial numbers 95007 through 95206 must perform detailed visual inspections of the affected bolts before exceeding 1,000 flight cycles or within 200 flight cycles after the AD becomes effective, and then at intervals not exceeding 500 flight cycles or 750 flight hours. If any damage is found, the affected bolts must be replaced before the next flight. Regardless of inspection results, all affected bolts must be replaced within 36 months after the AD's effective date to terminate the inspection requirements.
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