EASA SIB AIR-22-15
Bonded Structure Inspection
Summary
The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: AIR-22-15 provides guidance on inspecting bonded structures for True Flight Holdings, LLC Model AA-1, AA-1A, AA-1B, AA-1C, AA-5, AA-5A, and AA-5B airplanes. It highlights the importance of inspecting bondlines on wings and aft fuselage to detect corrosion and delamination issues. This bulletin is informational and does not mandate regulatory action.
What Changed
SAIB AIR-22-15 introduces enhanced inspection recommendations for the entire bonded structure of the affected True Flight airplane models, expanding beyond the previously mandated inspections focused on the horizontal stabilizer. It references True Flight Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-195A, which provides detailed inspection procedures for bondline delamination and corrosion across the whole airplane structure during annual inspections.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals because bondline corrosion and delamination can compromise structural integrity, potentially leading to loss of control as seen in a prior accident involving a Model AA-5 airplane. Regular and thorough inspections help ensure continued airworthiness and safety of aging bonded structures. Maintenance and inspection personnel need to be aware of the expanded inspection scope to prevent undetected damage.
What To Do
Operators and maintenance personnel should follow the inspection procedures outlined in the affected airplanes’ maintenance manuals and True Flight Aerospace Service Bulletin SB-195A at the earliest opportunity, typically during annual or 100-hour inspections. Any indications of bondline damage should be investigated further using tap tests or internal inspections as necessary. There is no mandatory compliance deadline, but timely action is recommended to maintain safety.