Fuselage — Emergency Locator Transmitter Antenna — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2018-0144
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft must perform initial and repetitive visual and detailed inspections of the ELT antenna and fuselage fastener holes within specified flight hour intervals. If damage is found, corrective actions including antenna replacement or structural repair must be completed before further flight. Incorporating the Airbus Technical Disposition and Service Bulletins to relocate the ELT antenna serves as a terminating action for inspections. Reporting inspection results to Airbus within 30 days is also required. The effective date for compliance with this revision is 2019-01-31.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0144R1 is an updated regulatory document addressing inspection and modification requirements for the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) antenna installation on Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft models. It applies specifically to Airbus A330-201 through A330-343 and A340-642 and A340-643 aeroplanes. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to prevent structural damage caused by vibration loads related to the 2KU-Band antenna installation.
What changed
This revision removes the prohibition on installing the original issue of EASA STC 10062892 and 10064120 when applying the updated Revision 1 of these STCs. It introduces an optional terminating action involving modification of the ELT antenna location to eliminate the need for repetitive inspections. The update also incorporates new Airbus Service Bulletins providing instructions for relocating the ELT antenna to mitigate vibration-induced damage.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and safety of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft by addressing potential damage to the ELT antenna and surrounding fuselage. Compliance prevents in-flight cabin depressurization risks and reduces maintenance burdens by allowing a terminating modification. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure inspections and modifications are performed timely to meet regulatory requirements and ensure continued airworthiness.
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