EASA AD 2020-0272
SCHROTH SAFETY PRODUCTS - Equipment / Furnishings — Buckle — Modification / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0272 addresses safety concerns related to 4 Point Harness Restraint Systems manufactured by Schroth Safety Products GmbH, installed on Airbus A330, A340, and A350 aircraft. The directive focuses on rotary buckles with specific part numbers and manufacturing dates that may fail to unlatch due to a loosened center screw. It mandates modification and eventual replacement of affected buckles to ensure proper operation of cabin attendant restraint systems.
What Changed
This new directive introduces mandatory temporary modification and subsequent replacement of affected rotary buckles in the 4 Point Harness Restraint Systems. It also allows an alternative method of marking seats with affected restraint systems as inoperative to defer compliance. Additionally, it sets conditions for installation of modified or replaced buckles and restraint systems.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure of cabin attendant restraint buckles can prevent quick evacuation during emergencies, posing a significant safety risk. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. It also affects maintenance planning and parts inventory management due to required modifications and replacements.
What To Do
Operators must modify each affected buckle within two months of 23 December 2020 or replace it with a serviceable buckle. Within 12 months after modification, the affected buckles must be fully replaced. Alternatively, seats with affected restraint systems can be marked inoperative if compliant with the minimum equipment list. Installation of affected buckles is only allowed if they have been modified as per the service bulletin.
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