EASA AD 2021-0251R1
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2024-0015
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0251R1 is an updated directive affecting all Airbus A340 models including A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, A340-542, A340-642, and A340-643. It mandates compliance with the Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 4 Revision 7, which includes system equipment maintenance requirements and life limits for components. This directive ensures continued airworthiness by requiring operators to follow updated maintenance tasks and replacement intervals.
What Changed
This revision supersedes previous directives including EASA AD 2019-0048, AD 2021-0068, and AD 2014-0257R1, consolidating their requirements into the latest ALS Part 4 Revision 7. It introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits, including transferring Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator flight cycle limits into the ALS. The directive also allows compliance with later approved variations of the ALS document.
Why It Matters
For aviation professionals, this directive is critical to maintaining the safety and airworthiness of Airbus A340 aircraft by enforcing updated maintenance standards. Operators and maintenance organizations must integrate these requirements into their approved maintenance programs to avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance ensures regulatory adherence and prevents operational disruptions due to non-compliance with mandatory airworthiness instructions.
What To Do
Operators must replace components before exceeding their life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals as outlined in the Airbus A340 ALS Part 4 Revision 7 starting from 1 December 2021. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight, following Airbus instructions or approved alternatives. Additionally, the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months after 1 December 2021 to incorporate the updated tasks and limitations.
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