Wings — Frame 56 Vertical Cruciform Fittings — Inspection / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform a special detailed inspection of the vertical cruciform fittings before exceeding 8,000 flight cycles or 59,000 flight hours since first flight. If cracks are found, corrective modifications or repairs must be completed before the next flight or within specified repair times. If no cracks are found, required modifications must still be completed before the next flight according to the applicable service bulletins.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0275 is an official regulatory document addressing inspection and modification requirements for the vertical cruciform fittings at fuselage frame 56 on Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It applies to all serial numbers except those with Airbus modifications 75132 or 75442 incorporated during production. The directive mandates inspections and potential modifications to ensure structural integrity of the affected wing fittings.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time special detailed inspection of the vertical cruciform fittings at fuselage frame 56, followed by required modifications depending on inspection findings. It establishes specific service bulletins for inspection and modification procedures and sets compliance thresholds based on flight cycles and hours. The directive also provides repair instructions if cracks are detected during inspection.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of Airbus A380 wings by addressing fatigue cracks detected during testing. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential safety risks associated with undetected cracks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory approval for operation of affected aircraft.
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