EASA AD 2022-0003R1: Landing Gear — Inner Wheel Axles — Inspection

What to do

Affected stakeholders, particularly military operators and maintenance organizations of the Airbus A400M, should contact their responsible military airworthiness authority to obtain the applicable AD for the inner wheel axle inspection. They should monitor updates from their military authority to ensure compliance with any issued directives. No civil operators need to take action as no Airbus A400M aircraft are in civil service.

Summary

The document titled 'Landing Gear — Inner Wheel Axles — Inspection' is an explanatory statement issued by EASA regarding the absence of an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for the Airbus A400M aircraft in civil service. It clarifies that no public AD exists because the Airbus A400M is currently not operated in civil aviation. The document serves as an informational record and recommends that military airworthiness authorities issue their own applicable ADs for this aircraft.

What changed

This document introduces an informational Airworthiness Directive record (ADR) rather than a legally binding AD, due to the lack of Airbus A400M aircraft in civil service. It establishes that the responsibility for issuing legally valid ADs for the Airbus A400M lies with the respective military authorities based on the aircraft's country of registration. The document does not impose new requirements but acts as a recommendation for military authorities.

Why it matters

This matters for aviation professionals because it clarifies the regulatory framework for the Airbus A400M, distinguishing between civil and military oversight. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams dealing with military Airbus A400M aircraft need to be aware that applicable ADs will come from military authorities, not EASA. Understanding this helps ensure proper compliance and maintenance oversight for the affected aircraft.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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