EASA AD 2020-0093
Hydraulic Power — Ground Service Manifold Manual Valve Attachment Screws — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0093 is an airworthiness directive addressing the replacement of manual valve attachment screws on ground service manifold units installed on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It applies to specific part numbers 70902-3, 70902-4, and 70902-5 with certain screws and aims to prevent hydraulic system failures. The directive supersedes a previous AD and mandates repetitive replacement of these screws to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0314 and introduces revised torque values for the manual valve attachment screws, clarifies the applicability to certain part numbers including those with replaced screws, and adjusts compliance times based on flight cycles. It also extends the grace period for the blue hydraulic circuit and requires replacement of screws with specific bolts on certain parts to terminate repetitive replacements.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for operators and maintenance organizations because failure to replace the affected screws can lead to loss of hydraulic systems, potentially causing reduced aircraft control or injury to maintenance personnel. Compliance ensures the structural integrity of hydraulic components and prevents in-flight turn-back events related to hydraulic failures. It also provides clear instructions and timelines to maintain airworthiness and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators must replace the four manual valve attachment screws on affected ground service manifold parts before exceeding specified flight cycle or flight hour limits, depending on the aircraft group and hydraulic circuit. Replacements must be done repetitively at intervals not exceeding 10,000 flight cycles, with initial replacements due as early as within 1,300 flight hours after January 3, 2020, for some circuits. Installation of certain parts with non-compliant screws is restricted, and modification per Airbus service bulletins constitutes terminating action.
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