Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD CF-2018-29

Flight Controls — Elevator and Rudder Rod Ends of the Power Control Units

Published: Nov 12, 2018
Effective: Nov 16, 2018
Deadline: Nov 16, 2018

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What to do

Affected operators must cease using specified outdated maintenance tasks within 30 days of the effective date and amend their maintenance planning manuals accordingly within 30 to 90 days depending on aircraft model and utilization. For certain aircraft, initial inspections of the elevator PCU rod ends must be completed within defined flight hour limits, with a second inspection required for some aircraft before reaching 3400 hours air time. All actions must comply with the detailed instructions in the referenced service bulletin and Transport Canada-approved manuals.

Summary

The Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2018-29 addresses flight control safety issues related to elevator and rudder rod ends of the Power Control Units on Bombardier Inc. aeroplanes, including models CL-600-2B19, CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25. It mandates revised maintenance tasks and inspections to detect pitting corrosion and prevent rod end fractures that could compromise control surface functionality. This directive applies to specific serial numbers within these models and aims to enhance operational safety.

What changed

CF-2018-29 introduces new maintenance schedule amendments prohibiting the use of certain outdated Aircraft Maintenance Manual tasks and requires incorporation of updated inspection tasks into maintenance programs. It also mandates initial and follow-up inspections of elevator PCU rod ends for aircraft not operating under the Low Utilization Maintenance Program, with specific compliance times based on aircraft hours. These measures are new requirements to address corrosion-induced rod end fractures.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential loss of control surface function or inadequate flutter suppression caused by PCU rod end failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their maintenance manuals and perform timely inspections to detect corrosion early, ensuring continued airworthiness and flight safety. Compliance helps avoid in-service failures that could lead to serious flight control issues.

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