Information Systems – Electronic Flight Bag Universal Serial Bus Receptacle – Modification
Superseded. Comply with 2021-0234R1, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0259
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must modify all affected USB receptacles in accordance with the applicable Fokker Services service or engineering bulletins within 12 months after 14 December 2018. After modification, installation of the affected USB receptacle part number LS03-05050-A is prohibited. Compliance with the directive’s instructions is mandatory to continue operating the affected aircraft legally and safely.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0259R1 is an updated directive addressing safety concerns related to USB receptacles installed in various aircraft including Fokker F27 and F28 models, Airbus A318 through A340 series, ATR42 and ATR72, Boeing 737 through 777, and Bombardier CL-600 and DHC-8 aircraft. The directive mandates modifications to the affected Lone Star Aviation USB receptacle part number LS03-05050-A to prevent overheating and smoke/fumes in the cockpit. It applies to aircraft with these USB receptacles installed via Fokker Services Supplemental Type Certificates, Service Bulletins, or minor modifications.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0259R1 revises the original AD 2018-0259 by refining the list of affected aircraft and clarifying that certain aircraft with specific Fokker Services modifications are not affected. It incorporates updated service bulletins and engineering bulletins from Fokker Services and Lone Star Aviation to provide revised modification instructions for the USB receptacles. The revision also confirms that installation of affected parts is prohibited after modification.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety hazard involving potential smoke and fumes in the cockpit caused by overheating USB receptacles, which can increase flight crew workload and risk injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. The directive also impacts parts installation policies, requiring strict adherence to modification and installation prohibitions to prevent recurrence of the unsafe condition.
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