[Correction] Fire Protection — Cargo Fire Extinguishing Bottles — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A320 aircraft must inspect each cargo fire extinguishing bottle installation within 30 days of the effective date, following Airbus Alert Operator Transmission A26N003-16 Revision 01. If any screw damage is found, screws must be replaced before the next flight; if no damage is detected, screws must be re-installed correctly before the next flight. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to ensure aircraft safety and regulatory adherence.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0038 is a correction notice addressing the inspection of cargo fire extinguishing bottles on specific Airbus A320 models, including A320-214, A320-251N, and A320-271N with certain manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates a one-time inspection of the screws securing the cargo fire extinguishing bottles to ensure proper torque application and prevent potential disconnection. This AD applies to Airbus A320 aircraft and aims to maintain fire protection system integrity in the lower deck cargo compartment.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0038 was re-published to replace the term "dynamometric key" with the more accurate term "torque wrench" and to correct a typographical error in the issue date. The directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the cargo fire extinguishing bottle screws and specifies corrective actions based on inspection findings.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because improper torque on cargo fire extinguishing bottle screws could lead to their loosening during flight, potentially disabling the fire protection system in the cargo compartment. Ensuring compliance helps operators and maintenance teams prevent safety hazards related to fire suppression failures and maintain regulatory compliance for continuing airworthiness.
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