EASA AD 2020-0218
Fuselage — Cabin Swift Broadband Antenna Doubler — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0218 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus A319 aeroplanes, specifically models A319-111 through A319-133 with certain exceptions. It addresses the inspection and replacement of the cabin swift broadband antenna doubler installed in the fuselage to ensure structural integrity. The directive mandates a special detailed inspection and replacement of the antenna doubler to prevent potential widespread fatigue damage.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a requirement for a one-time special detailed inspection of affected fastener holes and replacement of the cabin swift broadband antenna doubler on Group 1 Airbus A319 aeroplanes. It also prohibits the installation of structural provisions for the cabin swift broadband antenna on Group 2 aeroplanes from the effective date. The directive is based on Airbus's assessment that the current installation does not meet widespread fatigue damage requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A319 aircraft by addressing potential widespread fatigue damage in the fuselage area around the cabin swift broadband antenna doubler. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety, preventing possible structural failures. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must incorporate these inspections and replacements into their maintenance programs to meet regulatory requirements.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 Airbus A319 aeroplanes must perform a special detailed inspection of the affected fastener holes and replace the cabin swift broadband antenna doubler within the specified compliance times, which range from 99 to 200 flight hours or 49,600 to 50,400 flight cycles depending on the aircraft's usage. If discrepancies are found during inspection, corrective actions must be coordinated with Airbus before further flight. For Group 2 aeroplanes, installation of the antenna structural provision is prohibited from the effective date of 2020-10-26.
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