EASA AD 2018-0054
Flight Controls — Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0054 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It addresses a design weakness in the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) related to the secondary load path, which could lead to loss of control of the aircraft. The directive mandates modification or replacement of affected THSA components to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement to modify the special retention nut of the affected ballscrew assembly or replace the affected THSA with a modified unit. It specifies updated part numbers for the THSA and ballscrew assemblies and provides detailed instructions through Airbus service bulletins. The directive also prohibits installation of affected parts with old part numbers after modification or from the effective date for unaffected aircraft.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential mechanical failure that could compromise flight control safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent possible loss of control incidents. Compliance with this directive maintains the airworthiness and regulatory approval of affected Airbus A380 aircraft, avoiding operational disruptions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aircraft must modify the special retention nut of the affected ballscrew assemblies and re-identify the parts within 8 months of the effective date, or replace the affected THSA with a compliant unit. Maintenance teams must follow the instructions in the applicable Airbus service bulletins and ensure no installation of old part number components after modification or from the effective date for unaffected aircraft. The effective date is 2018-03-23, so compliance must be completed by 2018-11-23.
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