EASA SIB 2010-29: Thales Angle of Attack (AoA) Sensors

What to do

Operators and maintenance organizations should identify affected Thales AoA sensors by part and serial number as listed in the referenced service bulletins. They should remove these units from service and send them to Thales Avionics or an authorized repair station for testing and adjustment. Units already inspected and adjusted will have a label indicating compliance with the relevant service bulletin.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin SIB No. 2010-29 addresses issues with Thales Angle of Attack (AoA) sensors installed on ATR 42 and ATR 72 aircraft. The bulletin highlights that certain AoA sensors, identified by specific part and serial numbers, were repaired using improperly calibrated test equipment, potentially affecting their accuracy. It references Thales Avionics service bulletins that provide instructions for testing and adjustment of the affected units.

What changed

This SIB introduces awareness of the problem with Thales AoA sensors repaired at a North American station where final acceptance tests were not properly controlled. It directs operators to follow Thales service bulletins for identifying and correcting affected sensors by sending them for test and adjustment. The bulletin does not mandate actions but strongly recommends compliance with the service instructions.

Why it matters

Accurate Angle of Attack sensor data is critical for safe aircraft operation, especially for ATR 42 and ATR 72 operators. Faulty AoA sensors can compromise flight safety and lead to incorrect flight control inputs. Maintenance organizations and operators must ensure affected sensors are properly tested and adjusted to maintain airworthiness and operational safety.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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