EASA AD CF-2023-15
Flight Controls — Electrical Rigging Confirmation and Surface Travel Check of Primary Flight Control Surfaces
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-15 addresses the electrical rigging confirmation and surface travel check of primary flight control surfaces on Airbus Canada Limited Partnership model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft. This directive mandates updated maintenance procedures to ensure accurate positioning of flight controls following electrical rigging. It applies to all serial numbers of these aircraft models.
What Changed
CF-2023-15 prohibits the use of Aircraft Maintenance Publication versions prior to issue 110.02 for electrical rigging of primary flight control surfaces. It also mandates the completion of Airbus Canada Service Bulletin BD500-270016 to physically confirm electrical rigging accuracy on affected aircraft that were rigged before AMP issue 110.02. This replaces the previous voluntary fleet campaign with mandatory compliance requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical to prevent undetected inaccuracies in primary flight control surface positioning that could lead to runway excursions or structural overload during extreme maneuvers. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory conformity. It addresses a previously unmitigated risk related to reliance on lower design assurance level software in flight control systems.
What To Do
Operators must cease using AMP versions prior to issue 110.02 for electrical rigging as of 16 March 2023. For affected Group A aircraft, the electrical rigging confirmation check per SB BD500-270016 must be completed within 930 flight hours from 16 March 2023 or within 4900 flight hours from 18 December 2020, whichever is later. Maintenance teams should follow the approved procedures and document compliance accordingly.
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