EASA AD CF-2023-66R1
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Lower Spindle Pin Corrosion - Inspections
Summary
Airworthiness Directive CF-2023-66R1 is issued by Transport Canada and addresses corrosion issues on the main landing gear (MLG) lower spindle pin for Airbus Canada Limited Partnership model BD-500-1A10 and BD-500-1A11 aircraft. The directive mandates inspections, repairs, replacements, and a terminating action involving installation of a new design MLG lower spindle assembly to prevent structural failure. It applies to specific serial numbers of these aircraft models and updates previous directives on the same issue.
What Changed
CF-2023-66R1 corrects a typographical error in the part number of the MLG lower spindle assembly from '415A0500-02' to the correct '4115A0500-02' found in the previous AD CF-2023-66. It maintains all other requirements from AD CF-2023-66, including inspection intervals, repair or replacement procedures, and the mandatory terminating action with the new spindle assembly design.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent corrosion-induced fatigue cracking and potential failure of the MLG lower spindle pin, a principal structural element. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of affected aircraft, reducing the risk of landing gear collapse. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must track usage and perform inspections to meet regulatory requirements and avoid grounding or operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial inspections of the MLG lower spindle assemblies within specified flight cycle or calendar limits, followed by repetitive inspections every 3000 flight cycles or 24 months. Before accumulating 25,000 flight cycles or 12 years from entry into service, the affected spindle assemblies must be replaced with the new design parts. Compliance with the directive's inspection and replacement schedules is mandatory, and previous inspections under earlier service bulletins remain valid.