EASA AD 26-009 — Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Bogie Pivot Pin and Bushes — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-009 is a proposed directive addressing the inspection of main landing gear bogie pivot pins and bushes on Airbus A350-941 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive detailed inspections to detect damage caused by frictional heating and potential cracking. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the Airbus A350-941 and aims to prevent main landing gear collapse.
What Changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the main landing gear bogie pivot pins and bushes on Airbus A350-941 aircraft. It requires inspections before the affected parts exceed 70,100 flight hours or 13,700 flight cycles and at regular intervals thereafter, with corrective actions if discrepancies are found. It also defines serviceable parts and installation conditions for these components.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving thermal damage and potential cracking of main landing gear components, which could lead to gear collapse. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent possible damage or injury. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and corrective actions to meet regulatory requirements.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 aircraft must perform detailed inspections of the main landing gear bogie pivot pins and bushes before these parts exceed 70,100 flight hours or 13,700 flight cycles, and repeat inspections at these intervals. If any damage or discrepancies are found, affected parts must be replaced with serviceable parts before the next flight. Only serviceable parts may be installed after the effective date, and all inspections must follow the specified vendor and Airbus service bulletins.