Fuselage — External Fuselage Skin — Inspection / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2014-0259
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What to do
Operators must perform detailed inspections of the specified fuselage area within the compliance times defined by the AD, and then at intervals not exceeding 24,000 flight hours or 12,000 flight cycles. If damage is detected, corrective actions must be taken before the next flight according to the Airbus service bulletin instructions. Modification of the aircraft per Airbus SB A320-53-1281 can be done to terminate the repetitive inspection requirements.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0030 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency that applies to Airbus A318, A319, and A320 aeroplanes. It addresses inspection and repair requirements for the external fuselage skin panels at frame 34 underneath the fairing structure between stringer 43 left-hand and right-hand sides. The directive mandates repetitive detailed inspections and corrective actions to ensure structural integrity of the affected fuselage area.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0030 supersedes the previous AD 2014-0259 and retains its inspection requirements while incorporating updated Airbus service bulletins. It requires repetitive detailed inspections of the affected fuselage skin area and specifies corrective actions if damage is found. Additionally, it introduces a terminating action through a modification embodied by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1281.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses potential chafing damage that could lead to cracks and reduced structural integrity of the fuselage. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent safety risks and ensure continued airworthiness. Compliance with this AD helps avoid unplanned repairs and maintains regulatory conformity for affected Airbus A318, A319, and A320 aircraft.
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