Fuselage — Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Support Struts — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2013-0219
- Replaces
- 2013-0076
- Replaces
- 2014-0068
- Replaces
- 2014-0068R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform high frequency eddy current inspections of all TAC and SARMA THS support strut ends within specified compliance times, followed by repetitive inspections at defined intervals. Any detected cracks beyond acceptable limits require immediate strut replacement and clamp installation. Operators may opt to modify the aircraft per Airbus service bulletins to terminate the need for repetitive inspections. Compliance deadlines vary by aircraft serial number, with initial inspections required as early as within 6 months after 3 April 2013 for some models.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0068R2 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection and replacement of trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) support struts on Airbus A330 and A340-200/-300 series aircraft. It applies to specific serial numbers of these aircraft except those modified per Airbus Service Bulletins A330-53-3280 or A340-53-4240. The directive mandates detailed inspections for cracks in the THS support struts and corrective actions to maintain structural integrity of the horizontal tail plane.
What changed
This revision reduces the applicability by excluding aircraft modified with Airbus mod 203210 or the related service bulletins, and introduces optional terminating actions that allow operators to end repetitive inspections by performing the specified modifications. It also extends the initial inspection threshold for certain aircraft equipped with TAC struts and clamps to 42 months since first flight.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential in-flight loss of the horizontal tail plane due to cracked THS support struts. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft structural integrity and airworthiness. The updated requirements and optional terminating actions provide clarity and flexibility in maintenance planning and compliance management.
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