EASA AD US-2023-09-13
Wings - Center Wing Upper and Lower Rainbow Fittings - Repetitive Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2023-09-13 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration addressing Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series and C-130 series airplanes, including C-130H models. This directive mandates repetitive inspections of the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings for cracks and requires replacement if cracks are found to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2019-18-09 by introducing repetitive inspections of the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings, expanding the applicability to include Model C-130H airplanes. It also disallows the use of certain service bulletins and operational usage evaluations to determine flight hours for inspection compliance, requiring inspections within 30 days if flight hours cannot be determined.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses a critical safety issue involving cracked inner tangs of the center wing lower rainbow fittings, which could lead to wing separation and loss of the airplane. For operators, maintenance, and compliance teams, this means increased inspection frequency and vigilance to prevent catastrophic structural failure, ensuring continued safe operation of affected aircraft.
What To Do
Operators must perform repetitive visual and eddy current inspections of the center wing upper and lower rainbow fittings as specified in Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Alert Service Bulletin A382-57-98 Revision 2. If cracks are detected, affected parts must be replaced promptly. Compliance with the AD is required by May 31, 2023, and comments on the rule must be submitted by June 30, 2023.
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