EASA AD 2018-0007R1
Flight Controls — Elevator Aileron Computers — Replacement / Software Update
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0007R1 is a regulatory update addressing the replacement and software update of Elevator Aileron Computers (ELAC) on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. The directive targets ELAC units to improve Angle of Attack (AoA) probe monitoring and prevent potential flight control issues. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these Airbus models and mandates specific software upgrades and hardware replacements.
What Changed
This revision clarifies parts installation requirements and corrects typographical errors in part numbers from the previous AD 2018-0007. It retains and updates requirements from AD 2015-0088R1 and AD 2017-0008, specifying compliance timelines for ELAC software upgrades to L97+ and L99 standards. The directive also introduces grouping of aircraft based on installed ELAC units and provides detailed instructions for modification and replacement procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining safe flight control operations by ensuring ELAC units properly monitor AoA probes, preventing inadvertent activation of AoA protections that could lead to manual control reversion and reduced aircraft controllability. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these requirements to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance. The updates also streamline compliance by clarifying installation and modification procedures.
What To Do
Operators must replace or upgrade ELAC units according to the specified compliance times, which range from 5 to 36 months depending on aircraft model and AoA probe type. They must avoid installing affected ELAC units after modification and follow Airbus service bulletins for software loading and hardware replacement. Compliance with this AD is mandatory from 24 January 2018, and affected aircraft should be checked for applicable modifications or software standards to determine exemption status.
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