EASA AD US-2025-20-11
Flight Controls - Attaching Rivets of the Pilot and Copilot Rudder Control Pushrods - Inspection
Summary
Flight Controls - Attaching Rivets of the Pilot and Copilot Rudder Control Pushrods - Inspection is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA for certain Textron Aviation Inc. Model B200GT, B200CGT, B300, and B300C airplanes. It addresses a safety issue involving the failure of rudder control pushrod rivets that could lead to loss of rudder control. The directive mandates inspection and replacement of incorrect rivets on the pilot and copilot rudder control pushrods.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory visual inspection of the attaching rivets on the pilot and copilot rudder control pushrods for incorrect rivets and requires replacement if necessary. It was prompted by a report of rivet failure during a production ground run and aims to prevent rudder control pushrod failure. The AD is effective October 17, 2025, and requires compliance within 20 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because failure of the rudder control pushrod rivets can cause rudder jams or loss of rudder control, which are serious safety hazards that could lead to loss of aircraft control during flight or ground operations. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential accidents. The directive also impacts maintenance scheduling and parts inventory management due to the inspection and possible replacement requirements.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform a visual inspection of the pilot and copilot rudder control pushrod rivets following Beechcraft Mandatory Service Letter MTL-27-07 by October 17, 2025, or within 20 flight hours or 30 days after that date, whichever comes first. If incorrect rivets are found, they must be replaced promptly. Operators should also submit any comments on the AD by November 17, 2025, as invited by the FAA.