Flight Controls – Slat Geared Rotary Actuators – Drainage / Cleaning
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0157, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0130
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform water drainage and plug cleaning of the affected SGRA within 500 flight cycles or 6 months after 3 June 2021, whichever occurs first, and repeat these actions at intervals not exceeding 500 flight cycles or 6 months. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they are serviceable, meaning new or properly drained and cleaned according to Airbus Service Bulletin A350-27-P054. No terminating action is provided, so ongoing compliance is required.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0130R1 is an amendment addressing the Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes equipped with slat geared rotary actuators (SGRA) part number 4775A0000-02 on slat 5 track 12. This directive mandates repetitive drainage and cleaning of the affected SGRA to prevent slat system jams caused by water freezing inside the actuators during flight. The directive ensures continued airworthiness by requiring maintenance actions to mitigate the risk of reduced aircraft control due to slat system malfunction.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0130R1 revises the original AD 2021-0130 by amending the definition of 'serviceable part' based on operator feedback. The revision clarifies the conditions under which affected parts are considered serviceable, specifically regarding drainage and cleaning before installation or flight. No terminating action is introduced, and the repetitive maintenance requirements remain unchanged.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent slat transmission jams caused by frozen water inside the SGRA, which can compromise flight safety by reducing aircraft control. Compliance ensures that affected Airbus A350 aircraft maintain safe flight control system operation. Understanding and implementing the updated serviceable part definition helps avoid installation of potentially unsafe components.
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