EASA AD 2020-0054
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0199
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0054 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330-941 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive operational tests of the hydraulic locking function of the spoiler servo control (SSC) units installed on the blue and yellow hydraulic circuits to ensure continued safe flight control. This directive addresses a failure mode related to a sheared seal on the blocking valve of the SSC that could reduce aircraft control during engine-out takeoff conditions.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0054 introduces a requirement for Airbus A330-941 operators to perform operational tests on the hydraulic locking function of the spoiler servo controls at intervals not exceeding 48 months. It extends similar requirements previously applied to other A330 and A340 models to the newly certified A330-941. The directive also requires immediate replacement of any SSC that fails the hydraulic locking function test.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it ensures the detection and correction of a potentially dangerous failure in the spoiler servo control system that could compromise aircraft controllability during critical phases of flight. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance helps prevent in-flight control issues and supports regulatory adherence for continued operation of affected aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A330-941 aeroplanes must perform an operational test of the hydraulic locking function on each spoiler servo control unit within 48 months after the aircraft's first flight and repeat this test every 48 months thereafter. If any SSC fails the test, it must be replaced with a serviceable part before the next flight. Maintenance should follow the Airbus Maintenance Review Board Report and Aircraft Maintenance Manual tasks as specified in the directive.
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