EASA AD 2021-0162
Equipment / Furnishings — Doghouse Placard — Installation
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0162 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It addresses the installation of improved doghouse door lock handling instruction placards to ensure correct operation and access to emergency equipment. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of the affected Airbus A380 models.
What Changed
This new directive introduces the requirement to replace or overlay existing doghouse door lock instruction placards with improved versions as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A380-25-8285. It also prohibits the installation of affected doghouse parts unless they have been modified according to the specified service bulletins. The directive establishes clear definitions for affected parts and groups of aeroplanes based on installation status.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because unclear or incomplete door lock instructions could lead to latch failure, blocking access to emergency equipment and potentially causing injury during survivable accidents. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory conformity. Failure to comply could result in operational restrictions or safety hazards.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes must install the improved doghouse door lock instruction placards within 12 months of the directive's effective date, either by removing the old placard or fixing the new one over it, following Airbus Service Bulletin A380-25-8285. Additionally, no affected doghouse parts may be installed on any aeroplane unless modified as required. Compliance must be completed by 21 July 2022.
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