EASA AD 2021-0017
Fuselage — Type A Emergency Exit Door Frames — Modification / Reinforcement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0017 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A340-211, A340-213, A340-311, and A340-312 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. The directive mandates modification and reinforcement of the Type A emergency exit door frames at fuselage frames 53.3 and 53.5 to address structural integrity concerns. This directive applies to certain Airbus A340 models and provides updated instructions for reinforcing affected fuselage areas.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0017 supersedes the previous DGAC France AD 98-026-079(B) and corrects its applicability by limiting the affected aircraft models. It reduces the compliance time for the required modifications and retains the reinforcement requirements using Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4053, Revision 02. The directive also acknowledges prior modifications done according to earlier revisions of the service bulletin as compliant.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A340 aircraft by preventing potential cracks in the emergency exit door frame areas. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely modifications to avoid unsafe conditions that could compromise aircraft safety. Adhering to this directive ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance under European aviation safety regulations.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A340 aeroplanes must modify the fuselage emergency exit door frames before exceeding 9,420 flight cycles since first flight or within 18 months after 28 January 2021, whichever is later. The modification must follow the instructions in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-53-4053 Revision 02 or earlier approved revisions. No additional work is required if the modification was previously completed according to the service bulletin's original or Revision 01 instructions.
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