EASA SIB 2024-06: Inspection / Replacement of Engine Oil and Fuel Hoses

What to do

Operators should verify whether the engine oil and fuel hose assemblies on their aircraft have been installed according to approved data, including Type Certificate Holder bulletins. If discrepancies are found, they should replace the hoses with approved parts following the instructions in the referenced bulletins or seek approved repair instructions from the Type Certificate Holder or an authorized organization. No mandatory deadlines are specified, but timely compliance is recommended to mitigate potential risks.

Summary

EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2024-06 provides guidance on the inspection and replacement of engine oil and fuel hoses for specific aircraft models including the Z 26 series, Z-37 series, Z 37 T series, Z 42 M, Z 42 MU, Z 142, Z 43, Z 50 M, L 200 aeroplanes, and L 13 Vivat powered sailplanes. The bulletin addresses the use of alternative hose assemblies with reusable fittings that do not conform to original type designs but have since been approved by Type Certificate Holders. It aims to inform operators and maintenance organizations about the proper installation and inspection of these hose assemblies to ensure continued airworthiness.

What changed

EASA SIB 2024-06 highlights that some maintenance organizations have installed alternative engine oil and fuel hose assemblies not originally approved in the aircraft type designs. The Type Certificate Holders have now amended their type designs and issued bulletins allowing these alternative hose assemblies. This bulletin introduces recommendations for inspections and compliance with these updated bulletins to mitigate potential risks.

Why it matters

This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because it clarifies the acceptability of alternative hose assemblies that were previously unapproved, helping to avoid installation errors and potential maintenance discrepancies. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure that hose assemblies are installed according to approved data to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. It also prevents unnecessary Airworthiness Directive actions while promoting proactive risk mitigation.