EASA AD G-2021-0015
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear / Pintle to Cylinder Interface — Inspection
Summary
Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G-2021-0015 addresses inspection requirements for the main landing gear pintle to cylinder interface on BAE Systems Jetstream 3100 and 3200 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections to detect cracks that could lead to structural failure of the main landing gear. This directive updates previous inspection procedures to enhance crack detection and reduce inspection intervals.
What Changed
This Airworthiness Directive supersedes EASA AD 2017-0053 and introduces a reduced repeat inspection interval from 1,200 flight cycles to 900 landings. It incorporates the latest revision (Revision 5) of BAE Systems Service Bulletin 32-JA960142, which provides improved inspection procedures for detecting cracks at the pintle to cylinder interface of the main landing gear.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential structural failures of the main landing gear that could cause loss of control during take-off or landing. It ensures continued airworthiness by requiring more frequent and thorough inspections, thereby enhancing flight safety. Compliance teams must update their maintenance programs to reflect the new inspection intervals and procedures.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial and repeat inspections according to the criteria defined in SB 32-JA960142 Revision 5, with initial inspections due based on accumulated landings or within 150 landings from the AD effective date if thresholds are exceeded. Repeat inspections must be conducted every 900 landings thereafter. Inspections accomplished before the effective date in accordance with Revision 3 or higher of the SB are acceptable for compliance.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.