EASA AD 2020-0058
Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Locator Transmitter Protection — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0058 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It addresses a safety issue related to the Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) protection on these aircraft, specifically targeting ELTs with Part Number 01N65900. The directive mandates a modification to improve protection against potential battery fires caused by current injection.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0058 introduces a new mandatory modification requiring the installation of a diode between the affected ELT and the terminal block. This modification is intended to prevent battery fires caused by current injection of 28 Volts DC or 115 Volts AC on the non-rechargeable ELT lithium battery. The directive references Airbus Service Bulletin A380-25-8258 for the modification instructions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential fire hazard that could cause damage to the aircraft and injury to occupants. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain the continuing airworthiness of affected Airbus A380 aircraft. Failure to comply could result in unsafe operating conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A380 aircraft must install the diode modification as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A380-25-8258 within 24 months from the effective date of 31 March 2020. Maintenance teams should follow the detailed instructions in the service bulletin to complete the modification. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved by EASA if properly substantiated.
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