Fuselage - Aft Fuselage Sloping Longerons - Records Review / Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2023-11-10
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must review maintenance records to confirm whether conductivity checks were performed on the specified longerons and verify inspection intervals. For certain airplanes, inspections and hardness tests must be conducted, and any necessary repairs performed using FAA-approved methods. Installation of affected longerons under prohibited conditions is forbidden. Compliance with this AD is required by January 24, 2024, and comments on the directive must be submitted by February 23, 2024.
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-01-02 addresses Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382 series and C-130 series airplanes. This directive concerns aft fuselage sloping longerons that may have been exposed to excessive heat during manufacturing, potentially reducing their mechanical strength and compromising structural integrity. The AD applies to specific part numbers and requires inspections and records reviews to ensure airworthiness.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory records reviews to verify if conductivity checks have been performed on affected longerons at specified intervals. It also requires inspections, hardness testing, and applicable repairs for certain airplanes, and prohibits installation of affected parts under certain conditions. The directive excludes Model 382J airplanes from some inspection requirements based on prior testing but includes them in parts installation limitations.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because understrength aft fuselage longerons can reduce the structural integrity of the aircraft below limit load, risking failure and potential loss of control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain safety and airworthiness. The directive also emphasizes the importance of accurate maintenance records and proper inspection techniques to detect and mitigate this unsafe condition.
More for Lockheed Martin Corporation 382 (Hercules)
All 7- EASA AD US-2023-22-06Powerplant - Engine Truss Mount - InspectionNov 21, 2023
- EASA AD US-2023-11-10Fuselage - Aft Fuselage Sloping Longerons - InspectionJun 27, 2023
- EASA AD US-2023-09-13Wings - Center Wing Upper and Lower Rainbow Fittings - Repetitive InspectionMay 22, 2023
- EASA AD US-2021-09-15Wings - Center Wing Forward Corner Fittings and Fasteners / Outer Wing-to-Center-Wing Front Beam Web Joint Splice Angle Fasteners - InspectionMay 17, 2021
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