Flight Controls – Aileron and Tab / Crank Arm Rivets for the Aileron Potentiometer – Inspection
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected SAAB SF340A and SF340B aircraft must inspect the rivets on both aileron potentiometer crank arms within 8 months of the AD's effective date. Any loose or incorrectly installed rivets must be corrected before the next flight. Additionally, inspection results must be reported to Saab AB within 30 days after inspection or after the AD becomes effective, whichever is later.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive Proposal PAD No. 26-131 addresses a safety issue affecting SAAB SF340A and SF340B aeroplanes. It mandates inspection of the rivets attaching the crank arm for the aileron potentiometer on both left and right sides to prevent potential aileron lock during flight. This directive applies to SAAB SF340A aircraft with serial numbers 004 through 159 and SF340B aircraft with serial numbers 160 through 459.
What changed
This new proposed Airworthiness Directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the rivets securing the aileron potentiometer crank arm, following an incident where rivet failure caused aileron lock. It also requires corrective actions if any rivet issues are found and mandates reporting inspection results to Saab AB for fleet monitoring. No previous AD is superseded by this proposal.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to loss of roll control due to aileron lock. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to maintain flight safety and regulatory compliance. Reporting results supports ongoing safety analysis and helps prevent recurrence of this failure.
More for Saab Ab 340
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- EASA AD 2026-0005Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentJan 13, 2026
- EASA AD 2023-0073R2Electrical Power — DC Starter Generator — InspectionNov 26, 2025
- EASA AD 2024-0042Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section – AmendmentFeb 13, 2024
- EASA AD 2023-0121-CNCANCELLED: Aircraft Flight Manual — AmendmentDec 8, 2023
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