EASA AD 2015-0036R4
Fuselage — Fuselage Skin Repairs — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0036R4 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection and repair of fuselage external skin repairs on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. It mandates ultrasonic, eddy current, or visual inspections of specific fuselage skin doubler installations to detect cracks that could compromise structural integrity. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these Airbus models and references updated Structural Repair Manuals and Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N007-14.
What Changed
This revision clarifies inspection thresholds for Airbus A318 aircraft, corrects previous errors regarding external doubler installations, and removes certain modifications from inspection requirements. It also updates the list of antenna installation configurations subject to inspection and incorporates references to additional Airbus service bulletins and modifications. The directive refines inspection methods and compliance conditions based on operator feedback and new technical data.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the structural integrity of repaired fuselage skin areas on affected Airbus aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent undetected cracks that could lead to safety risks. The updated inspections and repair requirements help maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance, reducing the risk of in-service failures and costly unscheduled maintenance.
What To Do
Operators must identify any affected fuselage external skin doubler installations within specified fuselage sections and perform ultrasonic, low frequency eddy current, or high frequency eddy current inspections within 350 flight cycles after 17 March 2015 or within the compliance time defined in Airbus AOT A53N007-14, whichever is later. If cracks are found, repairs must be completed before the next flight. Future repairs must follow updated Structural Repair Manual instructions and inspection thresholds. Aircraft manufactured after the effective date of Revision 2 are exempt from initial inspections.
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