EASA AD US-2021-01-04
Doors - Upper Aft Corner Stop Fitting Assembly - Inspection / Replacement
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2021-01-04 is a final rule addressing all Boeing 737 series airplanes except the 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series. It focuses on inspecting and replacing the upper aft corner stop fitting assembly of the forward entry door due to reports of cracked or severed lugs. The directive mandates inspections, measurements, or records checks to identify affected parts and requires replacement if a specific part number is found.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections and potential replacement of the upper aft corner stop fitting assembly on affected Boeing 737 models. It requires operators to determine the part number of the assembly and replace it if it is the identified unsafe part. The directive also clarifies compliance requirements and prohibits installation of the affected part after required actions are completed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the forward entry door on affected Boeing 737 airplanes, preventing potential rapid decompression due to door failure. Aviation professionals must ensure compliance to avoid safety risks and regulatory penalties. Maintenance and compliance teams need to track affected parts and aircraft to implement timely inspections and replacements.
What To Do
Operators must inspect, measure, or review records of the upper aft corner stop fitting assembly to identify the part number. If the unsafe part number 141A6104-3 is found, it must be replaced within the compliance times specified, which is before 10,000 total flight cycles on the door or within 5,000 flight cycles after the AD effective date, whichever is later. Installation of the affected part is prohibited after compliance actions are completed, and the AD is effective from March 29, 2021.
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