The FAA has finalized its airworthiness directive (AD) on some Cirrus brakes. Cirrus Design argued that the best fix to avoid overheated brakes (or brake fires) is to taxi more slowly. The FAA agreed but said it will nonetheless also require maintenance and hardware upgrades as proposed. The AD applies to some 2,135 Cirrus SR20 and SR22 airplanes. It requires replacement of O-ring seals or brake calipers as well as modifications to landing-gear wheel fairings to allow for temperature monitoring, plus changes to the Pilot’s Operating Handbook. The AD results from several reports of the castering-nosewheel airplanes experiencing main gear brake fires and two airplanes losing directional control, the FAA says. Cirrus has said it will provide warranty credit for some of the work. The AD takes effect on Nov. 17.
FAA Finalizes Cirrus Brake-Fix AD
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has finalized an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for approximately 2,135 Cirrus SR20 and SR22 airplanes, prompted by reports of main gear brake fires and loss of directional control.
- The AD mandates specific maintenance actions, including replacing O-ring seals or brake calipers, modifying landing-gear wheel fairings for temperature monitoring, and updating the Pilot's Operating Handbook.
- While Cirrus Design suggested slower taxiing to prevent overheating, the FAA requires these hardware upgrades and maintenance, with Cirrus offering warranty credit for some of the work.
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