EASA AD 2018-0110
Engine — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0110 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A320-271N, A321-271N, A321-272N, A321-271NX, and A321-272NX aeroplanes. It addresses a software issue in the Full Authority Digital Engine Control Electronic Engine Controllers (FADEC EEC) that could prevent engine restart under certain conditions. The directive mandates modification of affected FADEC EECs to software standard FCS4.4 to ensure safe engine restart capability.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires replacement or software upgrade of affected FADEC EECs installed on both engines of the specified Airbus A320 and A321 models. It introduces a software update to the FADEC EEC to correct a logic issue that prevents engine restart during high thrust and low speed conditions after a brief fuel interruption. The directive also prohibits installation of affected FADEC EECs after 30 days from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations because it addresses a potentially unsafe condition that could prevent engine restart during flight, impacting aircraft safety and operational reliability. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity, avoiding operational restrictions or grounding. Maintenance teams must be aware of the affected FADEC EEC part numbers and the required software standard to properly service and modify the engines.
What To Do
Operators must modify Group 1 aeroplanes by replacing or upgrading the FADEC EECs on both engines to software standard FCS4.4 within 30 days of the directive's effective date. Installation of affected FADEC EECs is allowed only within this 30-day window, after which their installation is prohibited. Aircraft with Airbus modification 163473 embodied in production and no affected FADEC EEC installed are exempt from the modification requirement.
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AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.