EASA AD 2018-0147
Fuselage — Cabin and Cargo Compartments Structural Parts — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0147 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus A330 series aeroplanes, specifically models A330-201 through A330-343 with certain manufacturer serial numbers. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for fuselage cabin and cargo compartment structural parts that may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing. The directive mandates inspections to ensure structural integrity and prevent potential fatigue-related failures.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0147 supersedes the previous AD 2015-0212 and expands the scope of inspection to include additional structural parts in the cabin compartment that were previously missed. It retains the original inspection requirements and adds new locations for affected parts to be inspected, based on updated Airbus Service Bulletin revisions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A330 aircraft by identifying and correcting improperly heat-treated structural parts that could lead to crack initiation and propagation. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness, prevents potential safety risks, and aligns with regulatory requirements for operators and maintenance organizations.
What To Do
Operators must perform a one-time special detailed inspection measuring electrical conductivity of affected parts before 72 months from the aircraft's first flight, following Airbus Service Bulletins A330-53-3227 and A330-53-3228. If parts are found improperly heat-treated, they must be replaced before the next flight. Additional inspections for certain cabin parts must be completed before 108 months from first flight if previously inspected under the original SB.
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