EASA AD US-2022-02-14
Landing Gear - Main Landing Gear Inner Cylinder Pivot Pins - Inspection
Summary
Federal Register Volume 87, Number 36 (AD 2022-02-14) is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for certain Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes. It addresses cracks found in the inner cylinder pivot pins of the left and right main landing gear (MLG) through mandated inspections and maintenance actions. The directive requires repetitive lubrication and inspections of the MLG truck beams and inner cylinder pivot joints to detect damage and prevent potential landing gear collapse.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive lubrication and inspections of the main landing gear inner cylinder pivot pins and bushings on affected Boeing 787 models. It also requires a review of maintenance programs to ensure lubrication tasks are incorporated and mandates on-condition corrective actions if damage is found. The AD applies fleet-wide regardless of prior lubrication history to ensure safety across all affected airplanes.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to landing gear failure and reduced airplane controllability during takeoff and landing. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to prevent potential accidents caused by fractured pivot pins. The directive impacts maintenance scheduling, requiring integration of new inspection and lubrication tasks to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Boeing 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 airplanes must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the MLG inner cylinder pivot pins and bushings, conduct repetitive lubrication of the MLG truck beams and pivot joints, and review maintenance documentation to verify lubrication task incorporation. Compliance with these actions is required by March 30, 2022, the effective date of the AD. Any findings of damage must be addressed with applicable on-condition repairs as specified.
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