EASA AD CF-2020-14
Fuel - Threaded Fuel Coupling Not Properly Installed
Summary
The Airworthiness Directive CF-2020-14 issued by Transport Canada addresses improperly installed threaded fuel couplings on Airbus Canada Limited Partnership aircraft models BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11. This directive mandates inspections and functional tests of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fuel feed line shroud to detect and correct any loose or disconnected fuel couplings. The goal is to prevent fuel starvation to the APU and reduce the risk of fire.
What Changed
CF-2020-14 introduces initial and repetitive functional testing requirements for the APU fuel feed line shroud, along with mandatory inspections and torque adjustments of the fuel couplings. It establishes specific compliance intervals and corrective actions to ensure couplings are properly tightened. This directive also provides credit for prior compliance with earlier service bulletin revisions but requires additional corrective actions to meet current standards.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as loose or improperly installed fuel couplings can lead to APU fuel starvation and potential fire hazards, impacting aircraft safety and reliability. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to avoid operational disruptions and regulatory penalties. The directive helps maintain airworthiness and supports safe flight operations by addressing a known assembly and in-service issue.
What To Do
Operators must perform an initial functional test of the APU fuel feed line shroud within 4000 flight hours from May 14, 2020, followed by repetitive tests every 4000 flight hours until a detailed inspection and torque of the couplings are completed within 9350 flight hours or 56 months, whichever occurs first. Any leaks found require immediate inspection and tightening of the couplings before further flight. Compliance with the specified Airbus Canada Service Bulletin BD500-282009 is mandatory.
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