EASA AD AD-F28-93
Aerospace NDI Pty Ltd - Main Landing Gear Pistons Overhaul - Inspection / Removal
Summary
The Aerospace NDI Pty Ltd - Main Landing Gear Pistons Overhaul - Inspection / Removal is an Airworthiness Directive issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia concerning Fokker Services F28 Mark 0070 aircraft equipped with specific Goodrich Main Landing Gear part numbers and pistons overhauled by Aerospace NDI Pty Ltd. It mandates inspection and removal from service of pistons treated with AeroNikl or Atotech plating processes within specified serial numbers. The directive addresses safety concerns related to hydrogen embrittlement and potential piston failure.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive requires operators of affected Fokker F28 aircraft to perform detailed visual inspections of the main landing gear pistons before each flight and mandates permanent removal from service of pistons overhauled by Aerospace NDI Pty Ltd using AeroNikl or Atotech processes. Pistons treated with the AeroNikl process must be removed immediately as of the effective date, while those treated with the Atotech process must be removed by February 1, 2024.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a significant safety risk involving potential hydrogen embrittlement and cracking of main landing gear pistons, which could lead to dual wheel separation during operation. Compliance ensures the continued airworthiness and safety of the Fokker F28 fleet, preventing unsafe components from remaining in service or entering the global supply chain. Maintenance and compliance teams must be vigilant in identifying affected parts and adhering to inspection and removal requirements.
What To Do
Operators must conduct detailed visual inspections of the affected pistons before every flight as per Fokker Services All Operators Message AOF100.230#5. Pistons overhauled using the AeroNikl process must be removed from service immediately as of November 24, 2022, while those overhauled using the Atotech process must be removed by February 1, 2024. All removed pistons must be rendered unsalvageable to prevent reuse.
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