EASA AD US-2019-08-51
[Final Rule] Flight Controls - Angle of Attack Sensors - Replacement
Summary
[Final Rule] Flight Controls - Angle of Attack Sensors - Replacement is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive (AD) addressing all Cirrus Design Corporation Model SF50 airplanes. This AD mandates the replacement of angle of attack (AOA) sensors with improved versions due to incidents where the stall warning and protection system (SWPS) or Electronic Stability & Protection (ESP) System engaged inappropriately. The directive aims to mitigate unsafe flight conditions caused by faulty AOA sensors.
What Changed
This new AD requires immediate replacement of the AOA sensors on Cirrus SF50 airplanes before further flight, superseding the previous emergency AD 2019-08-51. It introduces a mandatory corrective action to replace AOA sensors labeled with part number 4677-03 due to a manufacturing defect causing erroneous stall warnings and automatic flight control activations.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that can lead to unintended automatic pitch-down commands and stall warnings, potentially causing loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent in-flight system malfunctions that could jeopardize flight safety. Compliance teams need to prioritize this directive to avoid operational disruptions and ensure regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Owners and operators of Cirrus Model SF50 airplanes must replace the affected AOA sensors with improved sensors before further flight, effective June 17, 2019. They should follow the instructions in Cirrus Service Bulletin SB5X-34-03 and monitor for any AOA sensor failures using the guidance in Cirrus Alert Service Advisory SA19-08. Comments on the AD can be submitted to the FAA by August 1, 2019.
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