EASA AD US-2018-07-06
Airplane Flight Manual - Revision / Landing Gear - Main Entry Door 3 Intercostal Webs - Modification
Summary
Airplane Flight Manual - Revision / Landing Gear - Main Entry Door 3 Intercostal Webs - Modification is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD 2018-07-06) that applies to certain Boeing 747-8 series airplanes. It addresses an unsafe condition related to restricted movement of the right brake pedals after landing rollout. The AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to add an autobrake system limitation and mandates modification of intercostal webs near main entry door 3 to terminate the AFM limitation.
What Changed
This new AD introduces a requirement to revise the AFM by adding an autobrake system limitation within 120 days of the effective date. It also requires a modification of the intercostal webs near main entry door 3 within 60 months, which involves drilling drain holes and applying sealant, thereby terminating the AFM limitation. The AD prohibits special flight permits except under specific ferry flight conditions.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because restricted brake pedal movement can impair stopping performance and directional control, increasing the risk of runway excursions. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and operational integrity. The modification also provides a permanent fix that allows removal of the AFM limitation, improving operational flexibility.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 747-8 series airplanes must revise the AFM to include the autobrake system limitation within 120 days of May 14, 2018. They must complete the intercostal web modification within 60 months of the effective date to terminate the AFM limitation. Ferry flights with an inoperative autobrake system are restricted to one-time non-revenue flights with specific interior modifications to warm brake control cables near doors 3L and 3R.
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