Fuselage — Bulk Cargo Door Frames — Inspection / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 models must perform the required rototest or alternative inspections within specified flight cycle or flight hour limits depending on aircraft serial number and utilization. If no discrepancies are found, new bushes must be installed before the next flight. If defects are detected, approved repair instructions from Airbus must be followed promptly. Compliance deadlines vary by aircraft MSN and utilization but generally require action before exceeding specified flight cycles or hours or within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of 10 November 2021.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0233 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330 aeroplanes, specifically models A330-201 through A330-343 with manufacturer serial numbers up to 1779 inclusive. The directive addresses inspection and repair requirements for bulk cargo door frames to detect and correct fatigue-related cracks in frame attachment holes treated with Tartaric Sulfuric Anodising or Chromic Acid Anodising. It mandates specific inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential in-flight loss of bulk cargo doors.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0233 introduces a one-time rototest inspection or alternative detailed inspections for bulk cargo door frame attachment holes, along with installation of new bushes if no defects are found. It clarifies inspection instructions due to previous ambiguities in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-53-3275 and establishes inspection intervals and corrective actions based on findings. This directive does not supersede any previous AD but supplements earlier requirements by providing updated inspection procedures and terminating actions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent structural fatigue cracks that could lead to in-flight loss of bulk cargo doors, decompression, and compromised aircraft control. Compliance ensures the safety and airworthiness of affected Airbus A330 aircraft by addressing a known fatigue issue in the fuselage bulk cargo door frames. Maintenance and compliance teams must incorporate these inspections and repairs into their programs to avoid operational disruptions and regulatory non-compliance.
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