Wings — Frame 46 Horizontal Cruciform Fittings — Inspection / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aircraft must perform an initial special detailed inspection before exceeding 7,990 flight cycles or 58,900 flight hours, whichever occurs first, and repeat inspections every 4,500 flight cycles or 33,700 flight hours thereafter. If cracks are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Group 1 aircraft without prior modifications must be modified before the next flight after the first crack-free inspection.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0160 is an official safety directive addressing the Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections and modifications of the frame 46 horizontal cruciform fittings on the wings to detect and correct fatigue cracks. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these aircraft models.
What changed
This new directive introduces repetitive special detailed inspections of the left and right horizontal cruciform fittings at frame 46, along with required modifications for certain aircraft groups to facilitate inspections. It also specifies corrective actions if cracks are found and removes the need for a previously required Airworthiness Limitation Item task after the first inspection.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A380 aircraft by preventing fatigue-related cracks from compromising safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid potential structural failures and ensure continued airworthiness. Compliance teams need to integrate these inspections and modifications into their maintenance schedules to meet regulatory requirements.
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