Landing Gear — Landing Gear Sliding Tube — 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 A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes must perform a detailed visual inspection within 250 flight cycles and magnetic particle plus Barkhausen Noise inspections within 750 flight cycles after 12 November 2021. Any discrepancies found require immediate replacement of the affected sliding tube before further flight. Additionally, affected parts must be replaced before accumulating 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years since last overhaul, and installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0236 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aeroplanes. It addresses potential structural failures in Nose Landing Gear (NLG) and Main Landing Gear (MLG) sliding tubes due to overheat damage and improper repairs. The directive mandates inspections and replacement of affected landing gear sliding tubes to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory detailed visual inspections, magnetic particle inspections, and Barkhausen Noise Inspections of specified NLG and MLG sliding tubes. It also requires replacement of affected parts within defined flight cycle or time limits and prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date. The directive is based on findings of overheat damage that could lead to landing gear collapse.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could cause landing gear collapse during taxiing, potentially resulting in aircraft damage and occupant injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. Compliance ensures the integrity of landing gear components and prevents unsafe conditions.
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