Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2020-0040R1

Fuselage — Overwing Emergency Exit Cut-Outs in Section 15 — Modification

Published: Jun 16, 2020
Effective: Jun 23, 2020
Deadline: Jun 23, 2020
Replaces: 2020-0040
Replaces: 2002-259(B)

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What to do

Affected operators must perform detailed visual inspections and corrective repairs as specified in Airbus service bulletins before reaching specified flight cycle thresholds. Modifications involving cold expansion of fastener holes and reinforcement of emergency exit door hatches must be completed as terminating actions. Compliance deadlines include inspections before exceeding 24,800 and 48,000 flight cycles, with follow-up actions required within specified intervals or before next flight as applicable.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0040R1 is a regulatory update addressing structural cracks found on overwing emergency exit door cut-outs in fuselage section 15 of Airbus A319 and A320 aeroplanes. This directive applies to various A319 and A320 models except those with specific Airbus modifications or service bulletins already embodied. It mandates inspections, repairs, and modifications to ensure continued structural integrity and compliance with extended service goals.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0040R1 revises the original AD 2020-0040 by excluding certain aeroplanes from applicability based on maintenance program publication triggers. It retains the requirements for repetitive inspections and modifications of the overwing emergency exit door cut-outs and clarifies compliance timelines and corrective actions. The revision also updates compliance instructions to reflect operator feedback and maintenance program considerations.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent structural integrity issues caused by cracks in the overwing emergency exit areas, which could compromise aircraft safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid grounding or regulatory penalties and to ensure the aircraft can safely operate up to the extended service goal limits. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and reduces the risk of in-service failures related to fuselage structure.

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