Wings — Bottom Wing Skin Panel — Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2000-157-145(B)
- Replaces
- 2000-157
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A340 aeroplanes must modify the bottom wing skin panel in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4068 Revision 02 or earlier approved revisions. The modification must be completed within 18 months after the effective date of 4 February 2021 or before exceeding specified flight cycles or flight hours thresholds, whichever occurs later. Compliance times differ for short range and long range operations as detailed in the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0028 is an airworthiness directive issued for Airbus A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, and A340-313 aeroplanes. It mandates modification of the bottom wing skin panel No. 3, located aft of the wing rear spar, to address potential fatigue cracking risks. The directive applies to specific manufacturer serial numbers as listed in the document.
What changed
This directive supersedes the previous DGAC France AD 2000-157-145(B) and introduces a reduced compliance threshold for the modification of the affected wing panel. It requires cold working of the existing drain hole and drilling and cold-working an additional drain hole to improve moisture drainage and structural integrity. No additional work is required for aeroplanes already modified according to Airbus Service Bulletin A340-57-4068 at any revision.
Why it matters
The modification is critical to prevent fatigue cracking in the bottom wing skin panel, which could compromise wing structural integrity and overall flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain continuing airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The directive reduces compliance times, emphasizing the need for timely action to mitigate risks associated with moisture accumulation and structural fatigue.
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