Flight Controls — Drive Struts on Flap Tracks 1 and 2 — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aircraft must perform a detailed inspection of load-sensing drive struts on flap track 1 within 10,000 flight hours from 15 October 2021. If discrepancies are found, the affected parts must be replaced before the next flight. Additionally, drive struts on flap track 2 must be replaced with serviceable parts within the same 10,000 flight hour compliance window.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0220 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for drive struts on flap tracks 1 and 2 to ensure continued airworthiness. The directive mandates inspection of load-sensing drive struts and replacement of drive struts to prevent potential flap detachment.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0220 introduces a new requirement for a one-time detailed inspection of affected load-sensing drive struts on flap track 1 and replacement of drive struts on flap track 2 for certain Airbus A350 aircraft. This AD is issued due to findings of improperly adjusted and unlocked drive struts during final assembly, which could compromise flap integrity.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a manufacturing defect that could lead to in-flight flap detachment, risking aircraft control and safety. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to avoid potential structural failures and maintain regulatory airworthiness standards. Timely inspections and replacements help prevent costly incidents and ensure passenger safety.
More for Airbus A350
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- EASA AD 2026-0177R1Indicating / Recording Systems – Integrated Control Panels – InspectionOct 15, 2026
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