EASA AD BR-2020-04-01R3
Windows - Cockpit Side Windows - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Brazilian Airworthiness Directive AD No. 2020-04-01R03 is issued by the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) and applies to Embraer S.A. EMB-545 and EMB-550 airplanes equipped with specific cockpit side window part numbers. The directive mandates inspection and replacement of cockpit side windows to address safety concerns related to cracks, delamination, and potential window failure. It requires compliance with detailed inspection procedures and replacement with modified windows bearing new part numbers.
What Changed
This AD supersedes the previous AD No. 2020-04-01 revision 02 and introduces a replacement requirement based on flight cycles of the cockpit side windows. It updates inspection intervals and mandates replacement of windows before 3,400 flight cycles since new, prohibiting installation of older window part numbers. The directive also addresses premature cracking issues found in previously mandated replacement windows.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining flight safety by preventing in-flight depressurization caused by cockpit side window failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and replacements to detect and mitigate cracks or delamination. Compliance reduces the risk of undetected damage that could compromise aircraft structural integrity and passenger safety.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial and repetitive detailed inspections of cockpit side windows before 750 flight hours since new or within 50 flight cycles after April 17, 2020, and every 750 flight hours thereafter. Any detected cracks or delamination require immediate replacement with new part number windows before the next flight. All affected windows must be replaced before accumulating 3,400 flight cycles, and installation of older window part numbers is prohibited after the effective date of this AD.