Wings — Wing Upper and Lower Covers — Inspection / Repair
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform a special detailed inspection of the wing upper and lower covers within specified compliance times depending on aircraft group. If missing HECF patches are found, repairs must be completed before the next flight. For certain aircraft groups, repairs must be done before exceeding 78 months since the aircraft's date of manufacture. Compliance deadlines vary by group but include a maximum of 12 months from the AD effective date for Group 1 aircraft.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0015 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. The directive addresses inspection and repair requirements for the wing upper and lower covers due to potential missing Heavy Expanded Copper Foil (HECF) patches. This AD applies to certain Airbus A350 aircraft to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0015 introduces mandatory inspections and repairs for the wing upper and lower covers on affected Airbus A350 aircraft. It requires a one-time special detailed inspection or repair of the affected areas to verify and correct the installation of HECF patches. The directive also sets compliance times based on aircraft groups and manufacturing dates.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because missing HECF patches combined with incorrect fastener installation could create an ignition source inside fuel tanks during high-intensity lightning strikes, risking fuel tank ignition and potential loss of the aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent this unsafe condition and maintain regulatory compliance. The AD ensures the structural and electrical safety of the wing fuel tank areas.
More for Airbus A350
All 224- EASA PAD 26-126Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section / Part 1, Safe Life Airworthiness Limitations Items – AmendmentOct 20, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-127Time Limits / Maintenance Checks – Airworthiness Limitations Section / Part 4, System Equipment Maintenance Requirements – AmendmentOct 20, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-124Doors – Forward and Aft Cargo Door Seals – Inspection / ReplacementOct 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0177R1Indicating / Recording Systems – Integrated Control Panels – InspectionOct 15, 2026
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