Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD US-2021-02-16

Ice and Rain Protection - Air Data Heat System - Modification

Published: Mar 2, 2021
Effective: Mar 30, 2021
Deadline: Mar 30, 2021

Boeing 717 200

AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.

What to do

Affected operators must comply with the AD by performing the required air data heat system modification, testing, and any necessary corrective actions as specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-30A0009. The compliance deadline is March 30, 2021, the effective date of the AD. Operators may apply for alternative methods of compliance if they can demonstrate equivalent safety through operational procedures.

Summary

The Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34, February 23, 2021, Final Rule titled "Ice and Rain Protection - Air Data Heat System - Modification" is a new airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for all Boeing Model 717-200 airplanes. This directive addresses an unsafe condition where both the captain's and first officer's airspeed indicators froze at 80 knots during takeoff due to pitot tubes blocked by ice. The AD mandates modification of the air data heat system to ensure accurate airspeed indications, along with testing and corrective actions as needed.

What changed

This new FAA airworthiness directive requires operators of Boeing 717-200 airplanes to modify the air data heat system by installing new wiring and performing tests to correct the airspeed indication freeze issue. It introduces mandatory compliance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 717-30A0009 dated March 31, 2020, which details the modification and testing procedures. The AD does not supersede any previous directives but references prior related AD 2007-13-01 for concurrent requirements on certain airplanes.

Why it matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk where blocked pitot tubes can cause unreliable airspeed readings, potentially leading to loss of aircraft controllability. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must ensure the air data heat system is modified and tested to prevent flight safety hazards during takeoff. Compliance with this directive helps maintain regulatory adherence and reduces the risk of incidents related to airspeed indication failures.

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