EN 2586:1991

Overview

EN 2586:1991 (CEN) is an aerospace series standard that defines the characteristics and dimensions of lock washers for flight control rods. The document specifies lock washers intended to immobilise end fittings relative to the rod body while still permitting a positional adjustment of half a turn. The standard was adopted in national versions (e.g., SIST EN 2586:2001) and is used across the aviation supply chain to ensure dimensional compatibility and functional interchangeability of locking elements used on flight control linkages.

Key Topics

This standard focuses on the essential attributes and dimensional requirements for lock washers used on flight control rods. Key technical topics and requirements include:

• Functional requirement: washers must immobilise end fittings yet allow a half-turn positional adjustment of the fitting relative to the rod.
• Dimensional definition: precise geometric dimensions and form of the lock washer needed to mate with specified flight control rod end fittings.
• Interchangeability and fit: requirements that support consistent assembly and replacement across components from different suppliers.
• Marking and identification: provisions for clear identification to support traceability during manufacture, maintenance, and inspection.
• Compatibility with flight control hardware: design intent to integrate with rod ends and safety-critical control linkages.

(Note: EN 2586:1991 specifies characteristics and dimensions; exact numerical values, tolerances or material specifications are contained in the official standard document.)

Applications

EN 2586:1991 is directly applicable where secure, adjustable locking of flight control rod end fittings is required. Typical users and use cases:

• Aerospace OEMs and system integrators designing flight control linkages.
• Parts manufacturers and fastener suppliers producing lock washers to aerospace dimensions.
• Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations specifying replacement parts that must match original dimensions and function.
• Quality and procurement teams ensuring purchased hardware meets standardized dimensional and functional criteria.
• Certification and airworthiness engineers referencing standardized components to support compliance and traceability.

Using EN 2586 helps reduce compatibility issues, simplifies spare parts management, and supports safety-critical performance in flight control systems.

Related Standards

• National adoptions (example: SIST EN 2586:2001) reflect the CEN standard in local regulatory frameworks.
• Users commonly refer to other aerospace fastener and locking-element standards for complementary requirements (e.g., standards covering washers, locking devices, and rod-end fittings) when specifying complete assemblies.

Keywords: EN 2586:1991, lock washers, flight control rods, aerospace series, dimensions, CEN, SIST EN 2586, flight control linkages, aerospace fasteners.