EASA AD 2018-0171-E
CANCELLED - SEE EASA AD 2019-0251
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0171-E is an emergency directive affecting all Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It addresses a critical safety issue involving damage to the engine bleed air system and wing structure caused by overpressure scenarios during take-off, which could compromise structural integrity. The directive mandates updates to the Airbus A380 Airplane Flight Manual to mitigate this risk.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA Emergency AD 2016-0143-E and requires incorporation of Airbus A380 AFM Temporary Revision 204 issue 2 dated 01 August 2018. It removes the previous temporary revision and operational check requirements, reflecting new findings about overpressure risks when both packs are off or bleed air is supplied by the APU. The updated AFM revision includes revised procedures to prevent pneumatic system overpressure and potential structural damage.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to hot air leakage and structural damage to the wings, potentially reducing aircraft integrity. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent in-flight failures related to the engine bleed air system. The directive also highlights the importance of updated flight manual procedures and software standards to maintain safe aircraft operation.
What To Do
Operators must amend the Airbus A380 Airplane Flight Manual by removing the previous temporary revision and incorporating AFM TR 204 issue 2 before the next flight after 08 August 2018. Flight crews must be informed of the changes and operate the aircraft according to the updated procedures. Compliance with this directive is mandatory to continue safe operation of affected Airbus A380 aircraft.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.