Stabilizers — Inboard and Outboard Elevator Hinges / Actuator Fittings — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0116
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aircraft must perform a one-time detailed inspection of the affected elevator hinges and actuator fittings within specified flight cycle or flight hour limits, or within 500 flight cycles or 3,680 flight hours after the directive's effective date. If bushing migration is found, repetitive inspections must be conducted at intervals not exceeding 3,600 flight cycles or 26,500 flight hours. Any discrepancies must be corrected before the next flight, and inspection results reported to Airbus within 30 days.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0239 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the inboard and outboard elevator hinges and actuator fittings to detect bushing migration and other structural issues that could compromise elevator connection integrity. The directive provides detailed inspection instructions and corrective actions to maintain continued airworthiness of these aircraft.
What changed
EASA AD 2020-0239 supersedes the previous AD 2018-0116 and introduces a lower limit for the inspection threshold and interval for affected elevator parts. It requires a one-time detailed inspection for aircraft that had inspections before the new lower limits and mandates repetitive inspections if bushing migration is detected. The directive also clarifies compliance times and reporting requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses potential structural integrity issues in the elevator connection of Airbus A380 aircraft, which could lead to reduced control of the aeroplane if undetected. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure flight safety and regulatory compliance. The inspections and corrective actions help prevent in-service failures and maintain the aircraft's continued airworthiness.
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