EASA AD US-2019-02-03: Superseded by FAA AD 2021-02-06

What to do

Operators of Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes must revise their maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate the specified airworthiness limitations within 14 days after February 22, 2019. The initial compliance for the new actions must be completed within 45 days after the effective date. No alternative maintenance actions or intervals are allowed unless specifically approved by the FAA.

Summary

FAA Airworthiness Directive 2019-02-03 is a final rule affecting all Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. It mandates revisions to the existing maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations related to internal engine fire handle components. This directive addresses a latent failure risk that could prevent proper engine fire handle operation.

What changed

This new airworthiness directive requires operators to revise their maintenance or inspection programs within 14 days of the effective date to include airworthiness limitation 28-AWL-FIRE. The directive introduces specific compliance actions to prevent warpage and binding of internal engine fire handle components, which could impair fire extinguishing capability. It also prohibits alternative actions or intervals unless approved as an alternative method of compliance.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk where a malfunctioning engine fire handle could prevent extinguishing an engine fire, potentially leading to uncontrollable fires and wing failure. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and flight safety. The directive also affects maintenance planning and requires timely updates to inspection programs.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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