EASA AD 2021-0262
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0188
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0262 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency 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. The directive mandates compliance with updated Damage Tolerant Airworthiness Limitation Items as specified in Airbus A340 Airworthiness Limitations Section Part 2 Revision 04 Issue 2 and Variation 4.1. It ensures continued airworthiness by requiring operators to incorporate new and more restrictive maintenance tasks into their approved maintenance programs.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0262 supersedes the previous AD 2016-0152R1 and introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and intervals as defined in the latest Airbus A340 ALS Part 2 Revision 04 and Variation 4.1. These changes include updated thresholds and intervals for damage tolerant airworthiness limitation items to enhance safety. The directive retains prior requirements while mandating incorporation of the latest ALS revisions into maintenance programs.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it mandates updated maintenance tasks that are essential for the continued safe operation of Airbus A340 aircraft. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure these new requirements are integrated into their maintenance programs to prevent unsafe conditions. Failure to comply could result in unsafe aircraft conditions and regulatory non-compliance.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A340 aircraft must accomplish all applicable maintenance tasks specified in the updated ALS within the defined thresholds and intervals starting from 27 December 2021. They must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate these tasks. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight, following Airbus instructions or approved alternatives.
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