Federal Register #FAA20268802

FAA proposes airworthiness directive for Airbus Defence and Space GmbH airplanes addressing rudder drive corrosion.

This opportunity involves a proposed airworthiness directive from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) targeting corrosion issues in the rudder drive of specific Airbus Defence and Space GmbH airplane models. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus Defence and Space GmbH (primary OEM) - Products/Services Requested: - Repetitive inspection of rudder drive torsion tube for corrosion and drainage hole blockage - Application of corrosion inhibitor to rudder drive - Replacement of rudder drive if corrosion is detected - Compliance with Airbus Service Bulletins BO208SB002/2025, Issue 1, and BO209SB002/2025, Issue 2 - Product Line Items: - Rudder drive inspection and corrosion inhibitor application for 5 affected U.S. airplanes - Rudder drive replacement (on-condition, as needed) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Use of endoscope for inspection - Prohibition on installation of non-serviceable rudder drive parts - Option to use equivalent corrosion inhibitors - Repetitive inspections required every 5 years, with initial compliance within 2 months after directive effective date - Only airplanes with an FAA type certificate are affected - Estimated Costs: - Inspection and inhibitor application: labor and materials per airplane - Rudder drive replacement: estimated at 15 work-hours and $1,000 per product - Compliance affects 5 U.S. registered airplanes

Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defence and Space GmbH Model BO-209-150 FF, BO-209-150 FV, BO-209-150 RV, BO-209-160 FV, BO-209-160 RV, and Bölkow Jr. airplanes. This AD addresses corrosion damage on the rudder drive by requiring repetitive inspections, corrective actions including replacement if corrosion is detected, and application of a corrosion inhibitor. It also prohibits installation of affected parts to ensure safety and maintain structural integrity of the rudder drive, preventing reduced control of the airplane.

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