EASA AD 2020-0126
Flight Controls — Flap Drive Struts and Lever Bearing Assemblies — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0126 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus A350-1041 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the flap drive struts and lever bearing assemblies at flap station 3 on both right-hand and left-hand sides to detect wear and corrosion. This directive aims to prevent potential flap detachment during flight by ensuring the structural integrity of these components.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0126 introduces a new requirement for repetitive detailed inspections of the affected flap drive struts and lever bearing assemblies on Airbus A350-1041 aircraft. It also requires corrective actions if any deficiencies are found during inspections. This directive is an interim safety measure and may be followed by further actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected wear and corrosion on flap drive components can lead to in-flight flap detachment, compromising aircraft control and safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid potential accidents. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and reporting requirements to meet regulatory obligations.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-1041 aircraft must perform detailed inspections of the flap drive struts and lever bearing assemblies within 500 flight cycles since first flight or within 250 flight cycles after 17 June 2020, whichever occurs later. Inspections must then be repeated every 500 flight cycles. Any detected deficiencies must be corrected before exceeding specified thresholds, and inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 90 days after each inspection.
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