AD 2020-17-08 Describes The Unsafe Condition As Insufficient Electrical Bonding Of The Wing Lightning Protection Panels

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes with wing lightning protection panels installed.

This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as insufficient electrical bonding of the wing lightning protection panels. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective September 14, 2020.

Supplementary Information: The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) has issued AD DCA/750XL/21, dated December 15, 2017 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for Pacific Aerospace Limited Model 750XL airplanes with wing lightning protection panels installed. To accompany the MCAI, the CAA issued Notification of Airworthiness Directive issued for New Zealand Aeronautical Products IAW ICAO Annex 8, dated December 15, 2017, which states: This [CAA] AD with effective date 22 December 2017 mandates an electrical bonding inspection of the wing lightning protection panels per the requirements in Pacific Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin (MSB) PACSB/XL/092 issue 2, dated 15 December 2017, or later approved revision.

The [CAA] AD is prompted by the possibility that there may be insufficient electrical bonding between the lightning protection panels and the airframe.

Due to a report of an airplane with wing lightning strike panels that were not bonded to the airframe and without information confirming whether the bonding was performed properly during the assembly process, a check of all airplanes in operation is necessary.

In addition to the inspection of the electrical bonding on the wing lightning protection panels, the MCAI also requires repair of any insufficient electrical bonding found during the inspection.

FMI: www.regulations.gov Docket No. FAA-2020-0769