EASA AD 2020-0073
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2024-0203
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0073 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It addresses issues with certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA) that may have deviations from the Component Maintenance Manual acceptance test procedure. The directive mandates replacement of affected THSA parts to ensure continued safe operation of the aircraft.
What Changed
This directive introduces a mandatory replacement of affected trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators identified by specific serial numbers. It prohibits the installation of affected parts unless they have been reworked and recertified according to Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A27N013-20. The directive applies to all Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 models with affected parts installed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected THSA parts could compromise the failsafe function of the stabilizer actuator, potentially leading to loss of aircraft control in case of a single failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance with this AD is mandatory to meet regulatory requirements and ensure flight safety.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft with affected THSA parts must replace these parts with serviceable ones within 15 days of the effective date, April 2, 2020. From the effective date, installation of any affected THSA parts is prohibited unless they have been reworked and recertified per Airbus instructions. Maintenance teams should refer to Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A27N013-20 for detailed replacement procedures.
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