Rudder Pedal Jam
Source: Airbus Safety First URL: https://safetyfirst.airbus.com/rudder-pedal-jam/ Published: 2008-07-29 Magazine Issue: 2008-07 Category: Archive PDF: Original PDF
By: Joan RENDU
Section titled “By: Joan RENDU”Senior Engineer, Flight Control Systems Customer Services
1 Introduction
Section titled “1 Introduction”In 1998, two A340 operators reported that when performing a rudder travel check, pedal displa - cement was found to be rough. Investigation evidenced that pens were stuck in the rudder pedal mechanism. These objects had fallen down from the cockpit through the cutouts of the cockpit pedals assembly covers. This led Airbus to develop a device to prevent such occurrences on the A330/340 and A320 family of aircraft.
In view of the remaining number of aircraft flying without this modification, it seems worthwhile to remind operators about the existing modifications.
2 Original rudder pedal protective cover
Section titled “2 Original rudder pedal protective cover”The original cockpit pedals assembly covers presented a 5 cm open gap, to allow free move - ment of the rod connecting the pedal to the brake mechanism.
This unprotected gap let objects like pens or calculators slip into the braking mechanism.
3 Modified rudder pedal cover
Section titled “3 Modified rudder pedal cover”The first events were reported on A340 aircraft and new pedal covers with brush were developed for the A330/340 family. Due to similarity in design, a similar cover was introduced on the A320 family as well.
4 New case r rted epo
Section titled “4 New case r rted epo”Recently one operator reported an event on an A320 aircraft. The report indicates that, during preflight, the rudder pedal felt jammed. Investigations showed this was again due to a foreign object located into the pedal mechanism. The aircraft was pre-mod and the service bulletin was not embodied.
Modification n° 47292 fitted in production on aircraft models A330-200 from MSN 0339 and on models -300 from MSN 0342 Service bulletin n° 27-3074
Modification n° 47292 fitted in production from MSN 0335 Service bulletin n° 27-4080
5 Conclusion
Section titled “5 Conclusion”Fitted on all aircraft
A319/320/321
Section titled “A319/320/321”Following this latest event and in order to prevent objects from falling into the pedal mechanism, Airbus would like to promote the following modifications:
Modification n° 28555 fitted in production from MSN 1344/1334/1356 respectively Service bulletin n° 27-1131
The title of SB 27-1131, which is currently “Rudder mechanical control introduce modified rudder pedal mechanism assembly” will be changed to a more precise title “Introduce a means to prevent foreign object falling in rudder pedal mechanism assembly”, and an OIT will be issued to inform operators.
作者：Joan RENDU
Section titled “作者：Joan RENDU”客户服务部飞行控制系统高级工程师
1998年，两家A340运营商报告称，在进行方向舵行程检查时，脚蹬位移发现存在卡滞。经调查证实，笔卡在了方向舵脚蹬机构中。这些物体从驾驶舱通过脚蹬组件护盖的开口处掉入驾驶舱。这促使空客开发了一种装置，以防止此类事件在A330/340和A320系列飞机上发生。
鉴于仍有大量飞机未安装此改装，有必要提醒运营商了解现有的改装方案。
2 原始方向舵脚蹬防护盖
Section titled “2 原始方向舵脚蹬防护盖”原始驾驶舱脚蹬组件护盖留有5厘米的开放间隙，以允许脚蹬与制动机构之间的连杆自由移动。
这一未受保护的间隙使得笔或计算器等物体能够滑入制动机构。
3 改装后的方向舵脚蹬盖
Section titled “3 改装后的方向舵脚蹬盖”首批事件发生在A340飞机上，随后为A330/340系列开发了带刷的新型脚蹬护盖。由于设计相似，A320系列也引入了类似的护盖。
4 最新案例报告
Section titled “4 最新案例报告”近期一家运营商报告了一起发生在A320飞机上的事件。报告显示，在起飞前检查时，方向舵脚蹬感觉卡滞。调查表明，这再次是由于异物进入脚蹬机构所致。该飞机处于改装前状态，服务通告未被执行。
改装号47292，在A330-200系列MSN 0339及A330-300系列MSN 0342及以后的飞机上装配 服务通告27-3074
改装号47292，从MSN 0335开始在生产中装配 服务通告27-4080
已装配于所有飞机
A319/320/321
Section titled “A319/320/321”继此最新事件后，为防止异物落入脚蹬机构，空客建议推广以下改装：
改装号28555，在生产中分别从MSN 1344/1334/1356开始装配 服务通告27-1131
SB 27-1131的标题将从“方向舵机械控制——引入改装后的方向舵脚蹬机构组件”更改为更准确的标题“引入防止异物落入方向舵脚蹬机构组件的装置”，并将发布运营信息通告（OIT）以通知各运营商。