EASA AD G-2021-0017
Flight Controls — Rudder and Elevator Flight Control Cable Terminals - Inspection
Summary
UK Civil Aviation Authority Airworthiness Directive G-2021-0017 addresses the inspection of rudder and elevator flight control cable terminals on BAE Systems Jetstream 3100 and 3200 series aircraft. It mandates inspections of specific stainless steel cable terminals susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. The directive applies to all models and serial numbers of these aircraft.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory inspections for threaded turnbuckle type cable terminals made from MS21260 material with over 15 years in service. It requires initial inspections within 12 months from the effective date and repeat inspections every 24 months thereafter. The directive also specifies replacement criteria if corrosion, pitting, or cracking is found.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for maintaining flight safety by preventing potential failures of primary flight control cables that could lead to loss of elevator or rudder control during critical phases of flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid unsafe conditions caused by stress corrosion cracking in stainless steel terminals. It helps ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance for affected Jetstream aircraft.
What To Do
Operators must inspect all affected cable terminals with over 15 years’ time in service within 12 months of 4 January 2022, or upon reaching 15 years if less than that at the effective date. Inspections must be repeated every 24 months. Any cable showing corrosion, pitting, or cracking must be replaced before the next flight. Records lacking cable time in service must treat cables as over 15 years old.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.