EASA AD 2022-0014
Equipment / Furnishings — Cockpit Seats — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0014 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses the inspection and modification requirements for cockpit seats, specifically the Captain, First Officer, and 3rd Occupant seats. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness by mitigating risks associated with potential seat failures.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory modifications to affected cockpit seats due to a potential failure of the Vertical Stop Support Fitting (VSSF). It requires operators to modify or replace affected seats within a specified timeframe and prohibits installation of non-serviceable seats after compliance. The directive references Airbus and Stelia Aerospace service bulletins for detailed modification instructions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to unexpected cockpit seat movement, potentially causing crew injury and loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain aircraft airworthiness and ensure crew safety. Compliance also ensures adherence to European aviation regulations and avoids operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes with affected seats must modify each seat according to the Airbus Service Bulletin A350-25-P122 within 11 months from 8 February 2022 or replace affected seats with serviceable ones. Installation of affected seats is prohibited unless they have been modified. Maintenance teams should follow the referenced Stelia Aerospace vendor service bulletins for modification procedures.
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