Stabilizers – Horizontal Tail Plane Lateral Load Fitting Bushings – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2025-0073, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0139
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform detailed inspections of the horizontal tail plane lateral load fitting bushings within six years of the aircraft's manufacture date or before exceeding specified flight cycles or hours. If any deficiencies are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight. Additionally, operators may choose to apply the modification service bulletin as a terminating action to end repetitive inspections. Inspection results with findings must be reported to Airbus within 30 days.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0139R1 is an updated directive addressing the inspection and potential repair of horizontal tail plane lateral load fitting bushings on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It applies to all serial numbers except those with Airbus modifications 110669 or 114806 incorporated. The directive mandates repetitive detailed inspections and corrective actions to prevent structural failure due to bushing migration and associated corrosion or fatigue damage.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0139R1 revises the original AD 2020-0139 by reintroducing the optional terminating action of the modification service bulletin, which was previously omitted. It adds a new paragraph clarifying that modification of the affected parts can terminate the need for repetitive inspections. The revision also renumbers existing paragraphs to accommodate this change.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could compromise the structural integrity and control of Airbus A350 aircraft. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to avoid in-flight failures caused by bushing migration, which could lead to costly repairs and safety risks. The AD provides clear inspection intervals and repair instructions to maintain continued airworthiness.
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