Power Plant — Engine Air Inlet Cowl Inner Barrel Lower Panels — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 models must perform detailed tap test inspections of the engine air inlet cowl inner barrel lower panels within 24 months of 5 November 2018 and repeat every 24 months, 11,000 flight hours, or 2,400 flight cycles, whichever occurs first. If disbonding is detected, corrective actions including inspection of the inlet anti-ice seal and modification or replacement of the panel must be completed within specified timeframes. Optional modification of all affected parts can terminate repetitive inspections.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0228 is an airworthiness directive addressing Airbus A330-201, A330-202, A330-203, A330-301, A330-302, and A330-303 aeroplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-80E1 engines. It mandates inspections and potential replacement of the engine air inlet cowl inner barrel lower panels due to reported disbonding issues that could lead to in-flight detachment. The directive includes detailed inspection and modification procedures to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new regulation introduces repetitive detailed inspections using tap test methods on affected engine air inlet cowl inner barrel lower panels and requires corrective actions including replacement with improved panels if disbonding is found. It also provides an optional terminating modification to eliminate the need for further repetitive inspections. Installation conditions for affected parts are specified to prevent recurrence.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential in-flight detachment of engine air inlet components, which could cause damage to the aircraft or injury to persons on the ground. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of Airbus A330 aircraft with CF6-80E1 engines. It also helps maintenance teams plan inspections and modifications within specified intervals to avoid operational disruptions.
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