EASA AD 2020-0279
Navigation — Pitot Probe Attachment Nuts — Re-Torque
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0279 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It addresses an issue with the pitot probe attachment nuts installed using incorrect torque values as specified in a previous Aircraft Maintenance Manual task. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the specified Airbus A330 and A340 models.
What Changed
This new directive requires operators to re-torque the pitot probe attachment nuts on affected aircraft within 30 days of the effective date. It also prohibits the use of the affected Aircraft Maintenance Manual task for installing pitot probes from the effective date onward. The directive introduces Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A34L008-20 as the reference for corrective actions.
Why It Matters
The incorrect torque on pitot probe attachment nuts can lead to erroneous total pressure measurements being sent to navigation systems, potentially reducing aircraft control. Compliance with this directive ensures the reliability of critical navigation data and maintains safe operation of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must address this promptly to avoid unsafe conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes with affected pitot probes must re-torque the attachment nuts within 30 days after 21 December 2020, following the instructions in Airbus AOT A34L008-20. Additionally, from 21 December 2020, maintenance personnel must not use the affected Aircraft Maintenance Manual task for pitot probe installation. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved upon request.
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