EASA AD 2018-0288
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2020-0036
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0288 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It mandates compliance with the Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items specified in the Airbus Airworthiness Limitations Section Part 2 Revision 07. This directive ensures continued airworthiness by requiring operators to follow updated maintenance tasks and intervals.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0288 supersedes the previous AD 2017-0231 and expands the applicability to include new A321 models. It introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and intervals as published in the latest Airbus ALS Part 2 Revision 07. The directive retains previous requirements while incorporating updated damage tolerant airworthiness limitations.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the structural integrity and safety of Airbus A320 family aircraft by enforcing updated maintenance requirements. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance. It also affects maintenance program planning and record-keeping, impacting continuing airworthiness management.
What To Do
Operators must accomplish all maintenance tasks specified in the Airbus ALS Part 2 Revision 07 within the defined thresholds and intervals starting from the effective date. They must revise the approved Aircraft Maintenance Program within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate these tasks. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight, and alternative methods of compliance may be requested from EASA if justified.
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