Wings – Center and Outer Wing Box at Level of Rib 1 Junction – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2021-0228, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2007-0067R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Affected operators must perform repetitive internal and external special detailed inspections of the wing box at Rib 1 junction according to the specified Airbus Service Bulletins and within the compliance times defined in the AD. If damage is found, approved repair instructions from Airbus must be followed before further flight. Modification of the wing box per specified Airbus Service Bulletins can terminate the inspection requirements. The effective date for compliance is 2018-10-25.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0218 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive internal and external inspections of the center and outer wing box at the Rib 1 junction due to non-compliant taperlok fasteners that could compromise structural integrity. The directive includes detailed inspection thresholds and intervals to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0218 supersedes the previous AD 2007-0067R1, expanding the applicability to more aircraft and revising inspection areas and intervals. It updates Airbus Service Bulletins A320-57-1129 and A320-57-1130 to their latest revisions, reflecting new findings on aging effects and inspection requirements. The AD also corrects typographical errors from the previous version.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural integrity issue that could affect flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection schedules to detect and correct damage early. Compliance ensures regulatory adherence and prevents possible in-service failures related to wing-to-fuselage junction fasteners.
More for Airbus A318
All 189- EASA PAD 26-113Engine – High Pressure Turbine Front Seal – InspectionSep 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0176Electrical Systems Installation – Battery Retaining Rods – Identification / ReplacementSep 11, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-102Fuselage – Cockpit Floor Structure – InspectionsSep 9, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-093Electrical Systems Installation – Battery Retaining Rods – Identification / ReplacementJul 31, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0142Wings – Main Landing Gear Support Rib 5 – InspectionsJul 20, 2026
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Airbus A318, A319, A320 and A321, summarized like this page, every Monday.