EASA AD 2019-0181R1
Fuselage — Forward and Aft Cargo Door Latch Fitting External Lugs — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0181R1 is an updated regulatory requirement affecting Airbus A350-941 aeroplanes, specifically addressing the forward and aft cargo door latch fitting external lugs. The directive mandates inspections and potential modifications to aluminium latch fittings to ensure structural integrity. It applies to all serial numbers except those with Airbus modifications 107020 and 107049 incorporated during production.
What Changed
This revision of EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0181 clarifies that corrective actions are only required if cracks are detected during inspections, replacing the previous broader term "discrepancy" with "crack" to align with Airbus service bulletin terminology. The directive maintains the requirement for repetitive detailed inspections and introduces modification as a terminating action for these inspections.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural integrity issue in the cargo door latch fittings of Airbus A350-941 aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent possible safety risks caused by cracks in aluminium latch fittings. Ensuring adherence to this AD supports continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance, avoiding operational disruptions or grounding.
What To Do
Operators must perform detailed inspections of the affected latch fittings within the compliance time specified—either before 3,600 flight cycles or 72 months since manufacture, or within 690 flight cycles after the AD effective date, whichever is later—and repeat inspections every 690 flight cycles thereafter. If any cracks are found, the affected parts must be replaced and the aircraft modified according to Airbus service bulletins before the next flight. Completing the modification terminates the need for further repetitive inspections.
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.