EASA AD 2019-0020
Flight Controls — Slat Geared Rotary Actuators — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0020 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses the replacement of slat geared rotary actuators (SGRA) with specific part numbers that have been found to have cracks due to manufacturing process issues. The directive mandates corrective actions to ensure continued safe operation of these aircraft.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement of affected slat geared rotary actuators identified by specific part and serial numbers. It requires operators to replace these parts within a specified flight hour limit and prohibits installation of affected parts on any aircraft after the effective date. The directive references Airbus and Liebherr service bulletins for detailed replacement and inspection instructions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk involving cracked slat geared rotary actuators that could lead to slat detachment and reduced aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent possible in-flight failures and ensure regulatory compliance. The directive impacts maintenance planning, parts inventory management, and ongoing airworthiness monitoring.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must identify if affected SGRA parts are installed and replace them with serviceable parts within 15,000 flight hours from 14 February 2019. Installation of affected parts is prohibited after replacement or from the effective date for aircraft without affected parts. Compliance must follow the instructions in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-27-P026 and the applicable Liebherr service bulletins.
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