Fuselage — Fuselage Bulk Cargo Door Frames — Inspection / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2016-0102
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform initial and repetitive inspections of specific door frame holes using defined non-destructive testing methods within specified flight cycle or hour thresholds. If discrepancies are found, approved repair instructions from Airbus must be followed before further flight. Operators may choose to implement the optional modification as terminating action to end repetitive inspections. Compliance deadlines vary by aircraft serial number and utilization but must be met as specified in the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0005 addresses inspection and repair requirements for fuselage bulk cargo door frames on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes, specifically models with manufacturer serial numbers up to 1779. The directive focuses on detecting cracks caused by surface treatments affecting fatigue behavior in door fitting attachment holes. It mandates repetitive inspections and provides an optional modification to terminate these inspections.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0005 supersedes the previous AD 2016-0102, expanding the applicability to include additional serial numbers and redefining inspection thresholds and intervals based on aircraft type and utilization. It introduces updated inspection methods and intervals, and adds an optional terminating modification to remove the affected surface treatments from bulk cargo door frames.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential structural cracks that could lead to in-flight loss of bulk cargo doors, decompression, and compromised aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. The updated inspection intervals and optional modification help optimize maintenance planning and reduce operational risks.
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