EASA AD US-2024-16-06
Stabilizers - Horizontal Stabilizer Spar - Inspection / Installation
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2024-16-06 addresses Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes equipped with Wipaire, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA01795CH. This directive mandates repetitive inspections of both forward and rear horizontal stabilizer spars for cracks, replacement of any cracked or damaged spars, installation of bathtub fittings, and reporting of inspection results to the FAA. It aims to prevent structural failure of the horizontal tail that could lead to loss of airplane control.
What Changed
AD 2024-16-06 supersedes AD 2023-15-07 by expanding inspection requirements to include both forward and rear horizontal stabilizer spars and shortening inspection intervals to no more than 110 hours time-in-service. It introduces the installation of bathtub fittings to improve structural integrity and modifies reporting requirements. The new AD removes all previous requirements from AD 2023-15-07 and incorporates updated service procedures from Wipaire, Inc.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations because it addresses an unsafe condition that could cause structural failure of the horizontal stabilizer spars, risking loss of airplane control. The shortened inspection intervals and new installation requirements increase safety margins, especially for aircraft used in high-utilization roles like firefighting. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence for affected Air Tractor airplanes.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial inspections within 7 days or before accumulating 110 hours time-in-service since installation of STC No. SA01795CH, whichever is later. Repetitive inspections must continue at intervals not exceeding 110 hours time-in-service. Any cracked or damaged horizontal stabilizer spar must be replaced, bathtub fittings installed using specified service kits, and inspection results reported to the FAA. Comments on the AD must be submitted by October 4, 2024.