EASA AD 2017-0257R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2018-0189
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0257R1 is an amendment affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft equipped with the Back-Up Speed Scale (BUSS) function. This directive mandates an amendment to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to incorporate new operational procedures addressing potential erroneous airspeed indications caused by pitot probe icing and angle of attack sensor blockages. The directive ensures flight crews have reliable airspeed information below flight level 250.
What Changed
This revision corrects the applicability to limit it to aircraft equipped with the BUSS function and improves the wording of the reason and credit paragraphs. It also inserts the original AFM pages into the appendix and requires a one-time AFM amendment to introduce specific operational procedures for flight crews to mitigate risks associated with erroneous airspeed data in icing conditions.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for maintaining safe flight operations by reducing the risk of increased flight crew workload and potential loss of aircraft control due to unreliable airspeed indications in extreme icing conditions. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to uphold continuing airworthiness and regulatory requirements. The updated AFM procedures provide clear guidance to flight crews, enhancing operational safety.
What To Do
Operators must amend the applicable Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 AFM within 30 days after 29 December 2017 by incorporating the specified procedure and inform all flight crews. Using later approved AFM revisions containing the procedure is acceptable for compliance. Aircraft with AFMs approved on or after 2 March 2017 that include the NAV – ADR 1+2+3 FAULT procedure are already compliant.
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