Navigation — Back Up Speed Scale / Aircraft Flight Manual — Amendment
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2017-0257R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes must amend the Aircraft Flight Manual within 30 days of the effective date by incorporating the specified AFM Documentary Unit if the aircraft is in Group 1. For Group 2 aircraft, any previously inserted AFM amendments related to the Back-Up Speed Scale must be removed within the same timeframe. Flight crews must be informed of the changes and operate the aircraft accordingly.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0189 is an amendment applicable to Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It addresses the reliability of airspeed information displayed on the Primary Flight Display under extreme icing conditions by mandating amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual related to the Back-Up Speed Scale function. This directive ensures flight crews receive accurate operational procedures to manage potential erroneous airspeed indications caused by angle of attack sensor blockages.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0189 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0257R1 and extends its applicability to include aeroplanes with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1543 embodied in service. It requires the incorporation of a specific AFM Documentary Unit for Group 1 aeroplanes and the removal of the AFM amendment for Group 2 aeroplanes where the Back-Up Speed Scale function is not installed. The directive clarifies and corrects the applicability and AFM amendment requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure flight safety by providing reliable airspeed information during extreme icing conditions, which can otherwise lead to increased pilot workload and potential loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to maintain continuing airworthiness and regulatory compliance. It also prevents incorrect AFM procedures being applied to aircraft not equipped with the relevant systems, reducing operational risk.
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