Fuselage – Cockpit Lateral Window Frames – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0009, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform special detailed inspections of the affected lateral window frame stiffeners within specified thresholds and at recurring intervals as defined in the directive's appendix. If cracks are found, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 90 days. Compliance begins no later than 1 August 2019, the effective date of the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0173 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft models. It mandates repetitive special detailed inspections of the vertical stiffeners of the lateral window frames at frame 4 on both left-hand and right-hand sides to detect cracks. The directive provides specific inspection and repair instructions through Airbus service bulletins.
What changed
This directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections and corrective actions for cracks found in the cockpit lateral window frame stiffeners. It specifies compliance times, inspection intervals, and repair methods, including modifications and rework procedures. It also allows deferral of inspections following certain repairs or modifications and accepts alternative compliance methods under defined conditions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus aircraft fuselages by preventing undetected cracks in key window frame components. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must adhere to these inspection and repair requirements to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
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