EASA AD 2020-0144
Doors — Forward and Aft Cargo Door Retaining Rings — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0144 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the forward and aft cargo door retaining rings to detect potential damage that could compromise structural integrity. The directive also provides an optional modification to terminate repetitive inspections.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory detailed inspections of the edge frames, brackets, frame forks, and access cover internal sides of affected cargo doors on Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aircraft. It requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and offers an optional modification as a terminating action for these inspections. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these aircraft models.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of Airbus A350 aircraft by preventing damage and corrosion caused by retaining rings on cargo doors. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure inspections and corrective actions are performed to avoid potential safety risks. Compliance with this directive helps prevent crack propagation and corrosion that could lead to structural failure.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aircraft must perform detailed inspections of affected cargo doors before exceeding six years from the Airbus date of manufacture and repeat every six years thereafter. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight. Additionally, operators may choose to implement the optional modification to terminate the need for repetitive inspections. Installation of affected cargo doors after the effective date requires inspection and correction as necessary.
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