EASA AD 2018-0267
Wings — Movable Flap Track Fairing #2 U-Frame Bolt-Nut Couples — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0267 is an airworthiness directive applicable to Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes with manufacturer serial numbers 0222 to 0233 inclusive, excluding 0229 and 0232. It addresses inspection requirements for the movable flap track fairing number 2 U-frame bolt-nut couples on both left-hand and right-hand sides. The directive mandates inspection, replacement, and re-torqueing of these components to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0267 introduces a one-time detailed inspection of the bolt-nut couples connecting the side-load-stay rear lever to the U-frame of the movable flap track fairing number 2. It requires removal, inspection for damage, replacement of the bolt-nut couples, and re-torqueing to the correct specifications. This is a new directive addressing a production issue discovered on certain Airbus A380 aircraft.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it prevents the risk of in-flight loss of the movable flap track fairing number 2, which could cause injury to persons on the ground and compromise aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoid potential safety hazards. It also ensures adherence to European Union aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A380 aircraft must perform a detailed inspection of the specified bolt-nut couples before exceeding 36 months since the aircraft's first flight. If any damage or discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Regardless of findings, the bolt-nut couples must be replaced and re-torqued according to Airbus Service Bulletin A380-57-8197 instructions.
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.