EASA AD 2020-0172
Wings — Lower Skin Covers at Rib Bays — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0172 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for Airbus A340-541, A340-542, A340-642, and A340-643 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the wing lower skin covers at specific rib bays on both left-hand and right-hand wings to detect cracks that could compromise structural integrity. The directive applies to certain manufacturer serial numbers as identified in the associated Airbus Service Bulletin.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0297R1 and expands inspection requirements to include additional rib bays on the wings using ultrasonic inspection methods instead of high frequency eddy current inspection. It introduces repetitive special detailed inspections for all affected aircraft as specified in the Airbus Service Bulletin and retains some previous inspection requirements while updating compliance procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the wing lower skin covers can lead to fuel leaks and reduced structural strength, posing safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential in-flight structural failures. Compliance ensures regulatory adherence and helps maintain aircraft operational safety and reliability.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A340 models must perform detailed visual and ultrasonic inspections of specified wing rib bays within defined compliance times, including initial and repetitive inspections. If cracks are found, approved repair instructions from Airbus must be followed before further flight. Compliance deadlines include inspections before exceeding 3,200 flight cycles or 19,600 flight hours since manufacture or within 12 months after 7 June 2019, and repetitive inspections every 10,000 flight hours or 24 months thereafter.
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