EASA AD US-2021-02-06
Fire Protection - Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision
Summary
The Fire Protection - Maintenance or Inspection Program Revision is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD 2021-02-06) that applies to all Boeing Model 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. This AD addresses issues related to engine fire handle components and requires revisions to maintenance or inspection programs, as well as replacement or modification of certain engine fire control panels. The directive aims to mitigate the risk of engine fire handle failure that could prevent extinguishing an engine fire and potentially lead to wing failure.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2019-02-03 by retaining its requirements and adding a new airworthiness limitation applicable to certain airplanes. It introduces a requirement to replace or modify specific engine fire control panels, which terminates the need for the revised airworthiness limitations once completed. The AD also incorporates a new fire handle design developed by Boeing that eliminates the need for previous airworthiness limitations.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a latent failure in engine fire handles that could compromise fire suppression capability, posing a significant safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their maintenance programs and perform required modifications to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Affected operators must revise their maintenance or inspection programs to include the new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. They must replace or modify engine fire control panels with specified part numbers by the compliance deadline. The AD is effective March 30, 2021, and operators should consult Boeing service information and request Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) if parts availability or other issues affect timely compliance.
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