Stabilizers - Horizontal Stabilizer Support Assembly / Tube - Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180, and A-1C-200 must begin repetitive inspections of the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly and the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube by September 1, 2020. Any cracks, corrosion, or damage found must be repaired or the parts replaced as necessary. Inspection results must be reported to the FAA as specified in the directive. Comments on the directive are invited until October 1, 2020.
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2020-16-06 is a final rule addressing all Aviat Aircraft Inc. Models A-1, A-1A, A-1B, A-1C-180, and A-1C-200 airplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections of the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly and the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube due to reported fatigue failures. The directive also requires reporting inspection results to the FAA to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of both the forward horizontal stabilizer support assembly and the rear horizontal stabilizer support tube, expanding beyond the previously issued one-time inspection limited to the rear support tube. It requires operators to inspect for cracks, corrosion, and damage, perform necessary repairs or replacements, and report findings to the FAA. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the affected Aviat Aircraft models, not just certain serial numbers as in prior service bulletins.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of either the forward or rear horizontal stabilizer supports can lead to stabilizer departure and loss of airplane control, posing a significant safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to detect fatigue cracks early and prevent catastrophic failures. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and reduces the risk of in-flight structural failures on affected Aviat Aircraft models.
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