EASA AD 2018-0141
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0027
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0141 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses the inspection and possible replacement of Electro-Hydrostatic Actuators (EHA) installed on the inboard ailerons, elevators, and rudder due to potential insulation resistance degradation. The directive mandates a one-time insulation check of affected EHAs and corrective actions based on the inspection results.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0141 introduces mandatory inspections of the direct drive solenoid valve (DDSOV) insulation resistance in EHAs on Airbus A350 aircraft. It requires operators to perform insulation checks within specified flight hours or calendar time and to replace or re-identify EHAs depending on the measured resistance. The directive also prohibits installation of affected EHAs from the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because degraded insulation in EHAs can lead to loss of active mode control of flight surfaces, potentially reducing aircraft controllability. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of Airbus A350 aircraft. Compliance teams need to track inspection deadlines and report results to Airbus as required.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aircraft must perform an insulation resistance check of affected EHAs within 3 months after reaching 700 flight hours or within 30 days after 17 July 2018, whichever is later. If resistance is below thresholds, EHAs must be replaced before next flight; if above, follow subsequent inspection and corrective action schedules. Reporting inspection results to Airbus within 30 days is mandatory, and installation of affected EHAs is prohibited from the effective date.
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