Cable Terminals used on Small Aeroplanes with a Mechanical Flight Control Cable System
Superseded. Comply with CF-2019-12R1, which replaces this document.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected stakeholders should review and follow the FAA's recommendations as endorsed by EASA, including inspecting flight control cable terminal attachment fittings for signs of cracking or fracture. There are no mandatory compliance deadlines or Airworthiness Directive actions at this time, but proactive maintenance and monitoring are advised to ensure safety.
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2019-12 is an airworthiness bulletin addressing cable terminals used on small aeroplanes with mechanical flight control cable systems. It highlights a safety concern regarding cracking and fracturing of flight control cable terminal attachment fittings connected to turnbuckle barrels. This bulletin applies to aeroplanes certified under CS-23, JAR-23, FAR-23, or equivalent regulations.
What changed
EASA SIB 2019-12 introduces awareness of a generic safety concern originally identified by the FAA in SAIB CE-19-13 about potential cracking and fracturing of flight control cable terminals on small aeroplanes. It does not impose mandatory actions or Airworthiness Directive requirements but endorses the FAA's recommendations for inspection and maintenance.
Why it matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it raises awareness of a potential mechanical failure point in flight control systems that could affect flight safety. Operators, maintenance technicians, and inspectors need to be vigilant in checking cable terminal fittings to prevent possible in-flight control issues. Although not mandatory, following the recommendations supports continued airworthiness and risk mitigation.
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