EASA AD US-2025-11-09
Fire Protection - Engine Fire Extinguisher System - Functional Test / Inspections / New Airworthiness Limitations
Summary
The Fire Protection - Engine Fire Extinguisher System - Functional Test / Inspections / New Airworthiness Limitations is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for Textron Aviation, Inc. Model 560 and 560XL airplanes. It addresses mis-wired fire extinguisher bottles that may fail to activate during an engine or auxiliary power unit (APU) fire. The directive mandates functional testing, inspection of fire extinguisher wiring identification, and updates to inspection programs with new airworthiness limitations.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory engine fire extinguisher system functional tests and inspections of fire extinguisher bottle cartridge wire numbers and yellow ID sleeves for proper identification and legibility. It requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and mandates revising existing inspection programs to include repetitive inspections of engine and APU fire extinguisher wiring. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of Textron Aviation Model 560 and 560XL airplanes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because mis-wired fire extinguisher bottles pose a significant safety risk by potentially failing to extinguish engine or APU fires. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent unextinguished fires that could lead to catastrophic damage or loss of aircraft. The directive also impacts inspection programs, requiring updates that affect ongoing maintenance planning and resource allocation.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform the engine fire extinguisher system functional test and inspect the fire extinguisher bottle wiring within 100 flight hours or 60 days after July 11, 2025, whichever occurs first. If improper identification or legibility issues are found, corrective actions must be completed within the same timeframe. Additionally, operators must revise their inspection programs to incorporate new airworthiness limitations within 24 months after completing the initial inspections.