EASA AD US-2018-22-04
Flight Controls - Trailing Edge Flap Rotary Actuator - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-22-04 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Boeing Model 787-8 and 787-9 airplanes. It mandates inspection and potential replacement of inboard and outboard trailing edge flap rotary actuators due to incorrect assembly of the no-back brake rotor-stator stack sequence. This AD aims to prevent reduced braking performance and loss of no-back brake function that could affect airplane controllability.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2017-01-02 by retaining the original inspection and corrective actions while expanding the applicability to include additional airplanes. It also reduces the number of affected actuators and clarifies acceptable part markings for compliance. These changes ensure broader coverage and clearer guidance on identifying compliant rotary actuators.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent unsafe conditions caused by incorrectly assembled flap rotary actuators, which can lead to accelerated wear and degraded braking performance. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and flight safety of Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft. It also helps maintenance teams correctly identify and handle affected parts, reducing risk of inadvertent installation of discrepant actuators.
What To Do
Affected operators must inspect the inboard and outboard trailing edge flap rotary actuators for discrepancies and perform related investigative and corrective actions as necessary. Replacement of discrepant actuators with nondiscrepant parts is required. Compliance with this AD is mandatory by November 28, 2018, the effective date of the rule.
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