Fuselage - Aft Fuselage Sloping Longerons - Inspection
- Published
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- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must review maintenance records to identify replaced aft fuselage sloping longerons with part number 342986-( ) installed on or after December 31, 2012. Conduct conductivity checks on these longerons and perform Rockwell hardness tests if conductivity values exceed specified thresholds. Repairs must be carried out using FAA-approved methods. Compliance with this directive is required by July 11, 2023.
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2023-11-10 is a final rule addressing Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series and C-130 series airplanes. It targets the inspection of aft fuselage sloping longerons, specifically those with part number 342986-( ), due to a quality audit revealing overaged, understrength longerons. This directive mandates conductivity and hardness checks to ensure structural integrity and prevent potential failure.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections for certain aft fuselage sloping longerons on specified Lockheed Martin aircraft models. It requires reviewing maintenance records for replaced longerons since December 31, 2012, conducting conductivity checks, and performing Rockwell hardness tests if conductivity exceeds specified limits. Additionally, it limits the installation of certain longerons and requires repairs approved by the FAA if defects are found.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because understrength longerons compromise the structural integrity of the airplane's aft fuselage, potentially leading to catastrophic failure. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure these inspections and corrective actions are completed promptly to maintain airworthiness and safety. The directive also affects parts management due to restrictions on installing certain longerons.
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