Fuselage — Aft Pressure Bulkhead — Inspection / Indicating / Recording Systems — Digital Flight Data Recorder Hood Assembly — Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform detailed inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead within 10 flight cycles from 28 December 2021 and continue at intervals specified in the Airbus Defence & Space Alert Operators Transmission. Any detected damage requires ultrasonic inspection and approved repairs before further flight. Additionally, the affected DFDR hood assembly must be replaced with a serviceable part within 18 months after the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0277 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330-202, A330-203, and A330-243 aircraft modified with specific EASA Supplemental Type Certificates. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements related to the aft pressure bulkhead and the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) hood assembly to prevent structural damage and potential cabin depressurization.
What changed
This new directive introduces mandatory repetitive detailed inspections of the aft pressure bulkhead for damage caused by mechanical interference with the DFDR hood assembly. It also requires replacement of the affected DFDR hood assembly part with a redesigned serviceable part within 18 months to eliminate the unsafe condition and terminate the inspection requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the structural integrity of the aft pressure bulkhead, preventing possible cabin depressurization and loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety, avoiding potential in-flight hazards and regulatory non-compliance.
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