EASA AD G-2021-0008
Fuselage — Rear Fuselage Skin and Frames — Inspection
Summary
UK Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G-2021-0008 mandates inspections of the rear fuselage skin and frames on all models and serial numbers of BAe 146 and AVRO 146-RJ aeroplanes. This directive addresses structural integrity concerns following the discovery of cracks in the rear fuselage drum near the rear passenger door. It requires low frequency eddy current inspections to detect cracks, corrosion, and other defects in specified fuselage areas.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2013-0207 and introduces revised inspection methods, particularly for stringer 11 left and right areas, with adjusted inspection intervals and techniques depending on repair status. It also clarifies inspection requirements for aircraft with external repairs and provides updated compliance times and procedures based on the latest revision of BAE Systems Inspection Service Bulletin 53-239 Revision 5.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected aircraft by ensuring early detection and repair of cracks that could compromise safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must adhere to the updated inspection intervals and methods to prevent potential pressurization failures and structural degradation. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity under UK aviation law.
What To Do
Operators must perform low frequency eddy current inspections before exceeding specified flight cycle thresholds and continue at intervals defined in ISB 53-239 Revision 5. If cracks or defects are found, corrective actions approved by BAE Systems must be implemented before the next flight. Aircraft that have not complied with previous inspection intervals have a grace period to complete inspections within specified flight cycle limits from the directive's effective date of 22 September 2021.
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