EASA AD 2018-0289R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0111
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0289R1 is an amendment addressing inspection and repair requirements for door stop fitting holes at fuselage frames 16 and 20 on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. It mandates repetitive rototest inspections and corrective actions to detect and fix cracks that could compromise structural integrity. The directive also provides an optional terminating modification to extend inspection intervals and ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This revision clarifies compliance times for inspections by specifying that the latest accomplishment of applicable airworthiness limitation item tasks must be considered for each affected area. It updates inspection thresholds and allows deferral of inspections after modification embodiment. The directive replaces previous ALI tasks with specific Airbus service bulletins for inspection and modification.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent structural failures due to cracks in door stop fitting holes, which could affect aircraft safety. It ensures consistent inspection practices and provides a clear path for terminating repetitive inspections through modification. Compliance helps maintain regulatory approval and aircraft operational integrity.
What To Do
Operators must perform rototest inspections within specified flight cycle thresholds and at intervals not exceeding 16,800 flight cycles, following Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1339. If cracks are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Embodiment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1330 at or after 6,100 flight cycles provides a terminating action for inspections. Compliance times must consider the latest applicable ALI task accomplishment.
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