EASA AD 2020-0248
[Correction] Flight Controls — Backup Control Module — Modification / Fuel — Fuel Control and Monitoring Computer — Modification / Indicating / Recording Systems — Flight Warning Computer — Modification / Landing Gear — Braking and Steering Control Unit — Modification / Replacement / Fuselage — Circumferential and Longitudinal Joints — Modification / Wings — Leading Edge Overhang — Reinforcement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0248 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting specific Airbus A340-541 and A340-642 aeroplanes with manufacturer serial numbers 371, 383, 464, 624, 628, 698, 775, and 779. The directive mandates modifications to various aircraft systems including flight controls, fuel control and monitoring computers, flight warning computers, braking and steering control units, fuselage joints, and wing leading edge overhangs. These modifications are required to ensure continued airworthiness and address previously identified unsafe conditions.
What Changed
This directive introduces mandatory modifications for certain Airbus A340 aircraft that were previously subject only to fleet monitoring campaigns without an AD. It corrects the applicability by removing aircraft models not associated with affected serial numbers and requires specific software updates, hardware installations, and structural reinforcements as detailed in Airbus service bulletins and technical dispositions.
Why It Matters
Compliance with EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0248 is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent unsafe conditions arising from incomplete modifications. It ensures that affected Airbus A340 aircraft meet updated safety standards, thereby maintaining operational safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding or operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of the affected Airbus A340-541 and A340-642 aircraft must complete the specified modifications within 12 months from the effective date of 25 November 2020, including software updates, installation of backup control modules, structural reinforcements, and other actions as outlined in the referenced Airbus service bulletins. Additionally, some actions have specific thresholds such as installing rivet rows before exceeding 5,000 flight cycles since first flight. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved upon request.
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