EASA AD 2019-0223
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0019
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0223 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates repetitive ultrasonic inspections of the wing outer rear spar top and bottom flanges to detect cracks that could compromise structural integrity. It applies to the 25 oldest wing sets and requires reporting of inspection results to Airbus.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0223 introduces mandatory repetitive special detailed inspections using ultrasonic testing on the wing outer rear spar areas of selected Airbus A380 aircraft. It establishes inspection intervals and requires corrective repairs if cracks are found, with no terminating action specified. This directive is an interim measure pending further actions based on inspection outcomes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A380 aircraft wings, ensuring safety and airworthiness. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential wing failures caused by undetected cracks. Compliance helps avoid operational disruptions and supports regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A380 aircraft must perform the initial ultrasonic inspection within 180 months from the wing box assembly date or 147 months from the aircraft's delivery date, whichever occurs first, and repeat inspections every 36 months thereafter. Any detected cracks must be repaired before the next flight following Airbus-approved instructions. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 30 days after each inspection.
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