EASA AD 2017-0245
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2018-0150
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0245 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It addresses the reduced life limits of repaired main landing gear (MLG) wheel axles due to specific repairs that compromised their fatigue life. The directive applies to various A330 and A340 models, excluding certain serial numbers and those with specific Airbus modifications.
What Changed
EASA AD 2017-0245 supersedes the previous AD 2013-0067 and retains its requirements while expanding the scope to include additional MLG wheel axles repaired by multiple maintenance repair organizations (MROs). It introduces updated life limits for these repaired axles and mandates identification and replacement of affected parts before exceeding these reduced life limits.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it ensures the structural integrity and safety of Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft by preventing the use of MLG wheel axles with compromised fatigue life. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid potential failures that could affect landing gear performance and overall aircraft safety. Compliance helps maintain regulatory adherence and reduces the risk of in-service incidents related to landing gear components.
What To Do
Operators must identify the part and serial numbers of all left and right main landing gear wheel axles within 90 days of the effective date to determine if they are affected. Affected axles must be replaced with serviceable parts before exceeding the specified reduced life limits, with some exceptions allowing up to 12 months for certain axles close to or exceeding limits. Installation of affected axles repaired by specified MROs is only permitted if the axle remains within the reduced life limits.
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