Wings – Outer Flaps and Tabs – Identification/ Inspection (Improper Heat Treatment) / Replacement (Wrong Material)
Superseded. Comply with 2021-0229, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0012
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes must perform a one-time special detailed inspection of suspected outer flap and tab parts within 72 months after 19 August 2020 or before reaching 144 months since the reference date, whichever is earlier. If defects are found, approved repair instructions must be followed or parts replaced with serviceable ones. Records must be reviewed to confirm if suspected parts are installed, and ongoing compliance with inspection and repair requirements is mandatory.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0174 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It addresses structural concerns related to outer flaps and tabs that were manufactured with improper heat treatment or wrong materials. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness of these aircraft.
What changed
EASA AD 2020-0174 supersedes the previous AD 2019-0012 and introduces updated lists of suspected improperly heat-treated and wrong material parts. It requires a one-time special detailed inspection of these parts and, depending on findings, corrective actions or part replacements. The directive also allows installation of suspected parts provided inspections or repairs are performed accordingly.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential safety risk of flap trailing edge failure due to structural parts made from defective materials. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent reduced aircraft control and ensure regulatory compliance. The updated inspections and corrective actions help maintain the structural integrity and fatigue life of affected aircraft components.
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