Stabilizer - Horizontal Stabilizer Spar - Inspection/Replacement
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform initial inspections within 7 days or before accumulating 110 hours time-in-service after installation of the Wipaire STC, whichever is later, and continue repetitive inspections at intervals not exceeding 110 hours time-in-service. Any cracked or damaged horizontal stabilizer spars must be replaced, bathtub fittings installed, and inspection results reported to the FAA. Compliance with this directive is mandatory by August 31, 2026.
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2026-16-12 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes equipped with Wipaire, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate No. SA01795CH. This directive mandates inspections and potential replacement of the horizontal stabilizer spars to prevent structural failure. It also incorporates new inspection areas related to the vertical fin structural support brace attachment.
What changed
This directive supersedes AD 2024-16-06 and retains its inspection and replacement requirements while adding inspections for cracks near the vertical fin structural support brace mounts on the horizontal stabilizer spars. It shortens inspection intervals to no more than 110 hours time-in-service and requires inspection results to be reported to the FAA. Some inspection and life limit requirements from referenced Wipaire service letters are excluded pending further FAA evaluation.
Why it matters
The directive addresses a critical safety issue involving cracks in horizontal stabilizer spars that could lead to structural failure and loss of airplane control. Operators of affected Air Tractor airplanes, especially those used in high-utilization roles like firefighting, must comply promptly to ensure continued airworthiness. Maintenance and compliance teams need to adjust inspection schedules and reporting procedures accordingly to meet the FAA's updated safety standards.
More for Air Tractor AT-600
All 7- EASA AD US-2024-16-06Stabilizers - Horizontal Stabilizer Spar - Inspection / InstallationAug 21, 2024
- EASA SIB SAIB-2024-03Rudder Control SystemApr 29, 2024
- EASA AD US-2023-15-07SUPERSEDED BY FAA AD 2024-16-06Aug 9, 2023
- EASA AD US-2021-05-14Flight Controls - Trailing Edge Flap Control System - Inspection / ReplacementMar 29, 2021
- EASA SIB CE-16-07Engine Mount InspectionNov 25, 2015
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