Fuselage — Cracking of Forward and Aft Wire Pull Fittings
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must replace the forward wire pull fittings within 90 days and the aft wire pull fittings within 180 days from the effective date of April 18, 2018, following the applicable Viking Air service bulletins. Additionally, a recurring visual inspection of the fittings must be performed every 110 flight hours. Installation of the old fittings is prohibited from the effective date onward.
Summary
The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-10 addresses cracking issues in the forward and aft wire pull fittings on Viking Air Limited DHC-2 Mk. I and Mk. III aeroplanes equipped with specific gross weight increase kits. The directive applies to aircraft fitted with float strut wire pull fittings part numbers VALTBS1245-1/-2 and VALTBS1244-1. It mandates replacement of these fittings with improved parts made from a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy and requires recurring inspections to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory replacement of the forward and aft wire pull fittings with new part numbers VALTBS1245-3/-4 and VALTBS1244-3/-4, respectively, which are less susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. It also establishes a recurring visual inspection interval of 110 flight hours to detect any signs of corrosion or cracking. Installation of the legacy fittings is prohibited from the effective date onward.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the float undercarriage on affected DHC-2 aircraft, preventing potential undercarriage failure that could cause the aircraft to tip over and submerge. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must address these requirements promptly to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance. The recurring inspections help detect early signs of damage, reducing the risk of in-service failures.
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