Wings - Lower Forward Carry Through Spar Cap - Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-03-03
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Textron Aviation models must perform repetitive inspections of the left and right forward lower carry through spar caps for cracks according to the clarified compliance schedule. If cracks are detected, the spar cap must be replaced promptly. Inspection results must be reported to the FAA. The AD is effective May 23, 2018, and comments are accepted until June 22, 2018.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-03-03 R1 revises the original AD 2018-03-03 for certain Textron Aviation Inc. Models 401, 401A, 401B, 402, 402A, 402B, 402C, 411, 411A, 414, 414A, 421, 421A, 421B, 421C, and 425 airplanes. This directive addresses the inspection and replacement of the left and right forward lower carry through spar caps to detect and correct cracks caused by metal fatigue. The AD aims to prevent potential failure of the spar cap during flight, which could lead to loss of control.
What changed
This revision clarifies the compliance times for the initial inspection of the carry through spar cap and specifies that only the spar cap must be replaced if cracks are found, not the entire carry through spar. These changes respond to feedback from operators and maintenance personnel who found the original compliance instructions confusing. The core inspection and replacement requirements remain unchanged.
Why it matters
Clarifying inspection compliance times and replacement requirements reduces confusion and helps ensure timely and proper maintenance actions. This improves safety by preventing spar cap failure due to metal fatigue, which could compromise aircraft control. Operators and maintenance teams benefit from clearer guidance, reducing the risk of non-compliance or improper repairs.
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