EASA AD 2018-0031
Doors — Forward and Aft Cargo Door Frame Forks — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0031 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 aeroplanes. It mandates inspection of forward and aft cargo door frame forks, specifically parts with certain part numbers and serial numbers, due to paint peeling issues that could lead to corrosion. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness by requiring detailed inspections and corrective actions if necessary.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time detailed inspection requirement for specific forward and aft cargo door frame forks on Airbus A350-941 aircraft. It addresses paint peeling caused by incorrect masking during coating application, which could lead to galvanic corrosion and potential cargo door failure. The directive also defines serviceable parts and allows installation only of parts that have passed inspection or are unaffected.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it prevents potential cargo door failures that could result in decompression and injury to occupants. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. The inspection and corrective actions help mitigate corrosion risks in highly sensitive areas, preserving structural integrity and operational reliability.
What To Do
Operators must perform a one-time detailed inspection of affected forward and aft cargo door frame forks within 36 months of the aircraft's manufacture date or within 3 months after 7 February 2018, whichever is later. If any deficiencies are found, anti-corrosion protection must be restored before the next flight. Only serviceable cargo doors, defined as those not affected or those that have passed inspection, may be installed from the effective date onward.
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