“During our investigation of the problem, we determined that the configuration and quality controls over the production of these parts were so deficient that we do not have confidence that the airplane can be operated safely for any period of time,” a new Airworthiness Directive states. The FAA, last week, grounded 222 Learjet Model 45 business jets until their horizontal stabilizer actuator assemblies are replaced. The new AD issued last Wednesday supercedes an earlier one that called for inspection of the assembly. At the heart of the problem is a screw and nut assembly that can get brittle and fail. New parts are expected to be available soon. The original AD was issued after a report of a severe vibration, followed by a rapid nose-down pitch change, by the pilot of one of the eight-seat bizjets. While the tail problems are being tended to, Lear 45 owners might want to take care of another AD concerning the landing gear. New shear pins must be installed in the trunnion assemblies of the main landing gear to prevent a possible gear failure. The AD is effective August 27.
Lear 45s Grounded By Tail Problems
Key Takeaways:
- The FAA has grounded 222 Learjet Model 45 business jets due to critical safety concerns stemming from "deficient configuration and quality controls" over their horizontal stabilizer actuator assemblies.
- The core problem involves a brittle screw and nut assembly that can fail, leading the FAA to state they "do not have confidence that the airplane can be operated safely."
- This new Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the replacement of the faulty stabilizer assemblies, superseding an earlier inspection directive, with new parts expected soon.
- Separately, Learjet 45 owners must also install new shear pins in the main landing gear's trunnion assemblies to prevent possible gear failure, an AD effective August 27.
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