Nacelles / Pylons - Pylon Aft Bulkhead Bracket - Inspection / Modification
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- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform a general visual inspection and repetitive eddy current inspections of the wing pylon aft bulkhead brackets as specified in Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin DC10-54A111 RB dated June 26, 2020. Any identified cracking or lockbolt and collar issues must be addressed through modification, repair, or replacement using FAA-approved methods. All actions must be completed by May 25, 2021, or within the compliance times specified in the service bulletin.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2021-08-10 addresses all Boeing Model DC-10 and MD-10 series airplanes, including DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC-10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F. This directive mandates inspections and possible modifications of the pylon aft bulkhead bracket due to reported cracking. It aims to ensure the structural integrity of the wing pylons on these aircraft.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory general visual inspections and repetitive surface and open hole eddy current high frequency inspections of the left and right wing pylon aft bulkhead brackets. It also requires on-condition actions such as modification, repair, or replacement of affected bulkhead brackets if cracking or lockbolt and collar issues are found. The directive is a new regulation rather than an amendment.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because cracking in the pylon aft bulkhead bracket can compromise the pylon's ability to sustain limit loads, potentially affecting the airplane's structural integrity. Operators, maintenance, and repair organizations must comply to prevent unsafe conditions that could lead to structural failure. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of the affected Boeing DC-10 and MD-10 aircraft fleets.
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