EASA AD 2019-0038
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0001
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0038 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It addresses a fuel leak issue observed in the wing area that could potentially lead to fire hazards. The directive mandates a modification to the wing inner rear spar trailing edge to improve drainage and prevent fuel accumulation.
What Changed
This directive introduces a required modification involving the addition of three drainage holes in the wing lower panel between Rib 13 and Rib 15 on both right-hand and left-hand sides. The modification is based on Airbus Service Bulletin A380-57-8231 and Airbus modifications 78091 and 78030. It is a new regulation aimed at correcting a specific unsafe condition related to fuel leakage.
Why It Matters
This airworthiness directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to fuel dripping onto hot landing gear parts and potentially causing a fire. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and prevent hazardous incidents. Compliance with this AD is mandatory to continue operating affected Airbus A380 aircraft safely.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A380 aircraft must modify the wing inner rear spar trailing edge on both sides according to Airbus Service Bulletin A380-57-8231. This modification must be completed within 18 months from the effective date of 2019-03-05. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved by EASA if properly substantiated.
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.