Wednesday, July 26, 2017

EASA issues emergency AD for SSJ stabilizer inspection

On July 25, the emergency airworthiness directive (AD) issued by European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) came into power, requiring airlines operating Russian-made Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B aircraft to inspect the horizontal stabilizers for possible cracks.

In the directive, EASA reported that cracks had been found on Sukhoi Superjet 100-95B aircraft in service in the rear spar of the horizontal stabilizer between ribs 0, 1 and 2. According to the document, such a condition, if not detected and corrected on time, might affect the structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer.

The directive calls for a non-destructive testing (NDT) borescope inspection of the horizontal stabilizer, before exceeding 1300 flight cycles or within 7 calendar days after the effective date of the airworthiness directive (whichever occurs later), and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 300 FC.

Operators are required to contact Sukhoi Civil Aircraft for approved repair instructions, if a crack, fastener failure or corrosion is detected during the NDT inspection.

Earlier in 2017, Sukhoi SuperJets were grounded due to the need to inspect for possible defects in the plane’s stabilizer attachment unit.

(AeroTime News)

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