EASA SIB NM-10-18
ATR42 and ATR72 aeroplanes - Flight Data Recorder (FDR) Redesigned Aileron Sensors
Summary
The FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin SAIB: NM-10-18 provides information regarding redesigned aileron sensors for the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) installed on ATR - GIE Avions de Transport Regional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. This bulletin addresses issues found with the left aileron surface position data recorded by the FDR on these aircraft models. The document is informational and does not mandate compliance.
What Changed
The bulletin informs operators about redesigned aileron sensors developed by Delta Engineering to reduce cable fatigue by increasing cable tension. These redesigned sensors replace the existing ones that, when installed under Supplemental Type Certificates ST01310NY or ST01280NY, produced higher-than-expected incorrect aileron position data in the FDR. The redesign is detailed in Delta Engineering Service Bulletin 2301-06397-2030 dated September 26, 2008.
Why It Matters
Accurate aileron surface position data is critical for flight data analysis and safety investigations. Operators and maintenance teams need to be aware of the potential for invalid data recordings caused by the original sensors, which could impact flight data reliability. Implementing the redesigned sensors helps maintain data integrity and reduces the risk of cable fatigue-related sensor failure.
What To Do
The FAA recommends that all owners and operators of ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes comply with the instructions in Delta Engineering Service Bulletin 2301-06397-2030 to replace the existing aileron sensors with the redesigned version. There is no mandatory compliance deadline or airworthiness directive associated with this bulletin, but following the service bulletin is advised to ensure data accuracy.
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