EASA AD US-2019-25-20
Flight Controls - Elevator Booster Actuator - Inspections
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 2019-25-20 is a final rule addressing Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series and various C-130 model airplanes, including restricted and amateur category types. This directive mandates inspections of the elevator booster actuator assemblies due to reported hydraulic fluid leaks caused by fatigue cracks in the actuator cylinders. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft by requiring part number identification, repetitive ultrasonic inspections, and replacement of cracked assemblies.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for elevator booster actuators on specified Lockheed Martin and C-130 model airplanes. It requires operators to perform ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks and replace any defective elevator booster assemblies. The directive also clarifies inspection procedures for spare parts both on and off the airplane and corrects compliance time references from flight cycles to flight hours.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential dual failure of elevator booster actuator cylinders, which could significantly reduce airplane controllability. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent hydraulic fluid leaks and actuator failures that compromise flight safety. Compliance ensures regulatory adherence and helps avoid costly repairs or accidents resulting from undetected actuator cracks.
What To Do
Affected operators must inspect elevator booster actuators to determine part numbers and conduct repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracks at specified intervals. Any cracked elevator booster assemblies must be replaced promptly. The directive becomes effective on February 28, 2020, and inspections and replacements must be performed in accordance with the service bulletin referenced in the AD. Operators should also apply the inspection procedures to spare actuators whether installed or off the airplane.
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