EASA AD US-2021-12-11
Equipment / Furnishings - Cargo Compartment Insulation Blankets - Replacement / Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2021-12-11 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing certain Boeing 767-200 and 767-300 series airplanes. It mandates replacement and inspection of cargo compartment insulation blankets to incorporate fire stops and prevent smoke migration into the main cabin. The directive also requires inspections to verify correct installation and serviceability of the insulation blankets and mandates corrective actions as necessary.
What Changed
This directive supersedes AD 2016-25-29 and expands the applicability to additional Boeing 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. It introduces new requirements for general visual inspections of the replacement insulation blankets, part number verification, and replacement of additional blankets if needed. The AD also clarifies part number acceptability and corrects references in the service information.
Why It Matters
This AD addresses a critical safety issue involving a fire in the bilge area of the cargo compartment that could lead to smoke and fire entering the passenger cabin. Compliance ensures the integrity of fire stops in insulation blankets, reducing the risk of in-flight fire hazards. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these requirements to maintain airworthiness and passenger safety.
What To Do
Affected operators must replace cargo compartment insulation blankets with those incorporating fire stops if not already done, perform general visual inspections to confirm correct installation and condition, and conduct part number inspections where applicable. Any discrepancies or unserviceable blankets must be corrected following the directive's on-condition actions. The AD is effective and must be complied with by July 29, 2021.
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