EASA AD CF-2025-63
Flight Controls — Elevator Control System — Autopilot Control Cable Failure
Summary
Canadian Airworthiness Directive CF-2025-63 addresses a critical issue in the flight controls of MHI RJ Aviation ULC model CL-600 series aircraft, including CL-600-2B19, CL-600-2C10, CL-600-2C11, CL-600-2D15, CL-600-2D24, and CL-600-2E25. The directive focuses on the elevator control system, specifically the failure of the autopilot control cable. It mandates corrective actions to ensure continued safe flight and landing by preventing elevator control restrictions caused by cable failure.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory replacement of the elevator autopilot control cables on the affected CL-600 series aircraft. It specifies compliance times based on the total hours air time of the cables, with detailed service bulletin references for the replacement procedures. The directive addresses multiple reported failures due to cyclic fatigue that can cause elevator servo drum jams.
Why It Matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals as it mitigates the risk of elevator control restriction during critical flight phases, such as landing, which could lead to loss of safe flight. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must prioritize these replacements to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in operational restrictions and increased safety risks.
What To Do
Operators of the affected MHI RJ Aviation ULC CL-600 series aircraft must replace the elevator autopilot control cables following the applicable service bulletins within the specified compliance times, which range from before reaching 16,000 total hours air time up to 23 months after the directive's effective date, depending on the cable's usage. If cable hours cannot be determined, aircraft total hours since entry into service should be used to establish compliance timing. Contact Transport Canada for further guidance if needed.