EASA AD CF-2020-06R1
Standard Practices/Structures — Introduction of Barrel Nut Inspections
Summary
The Standard Practices/Structures — Introduction of Barrel Nut Inspections is a Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-06R1 issued by Transport Canada affecting all serial numbers of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-8-400 series aeroplanes. This directive mandates inspections of barrel nuts installed at multiple structural locations on these aircraft to detect and address cracking caused by corrosion. The inspections aim to maintain structural integrity and prevent potential loss of control of the aeroplane.
What Changed
This revision supersedes AD CF-2020-06 and expands the applicability of Maintenance Review Board Report Task 5440/09 to all DHC-8 models, not just Post Mod 8/1702 aeroplanes. It modifies maintenance schedules to include additional detailed visual and borescope inspections of barrel nuts at various critical attachment points across all affected aircraft models. The directive also incorporates updated Maintenance Program Manual Temporary Revisions to ensure consistent compliance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a known unsafe condition involving cracked barrel nuts that could compromise aircraft structural integrity and safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must incorporate these inspections to detect corrosion-related damage early, preventing potential structural failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, reducing the risk of in-service incidents related to barrel nut failures.
What To Do
Operators of DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, DHC-8-300, and DHC-8-400 series aircraft must amend their Transport Canada approved maintenance schedules to include the specified barrel nut inspection tasks as detailed in the directive. All applicable inspections must be completed within the prescribed thresholds and intervals, with initial compliance required within 60 days from the original AD effective date of 27 March 2020. Later approved revisions of these tasks by Transport Canada are also acceptable for compliance.
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