EASA AD 2022-0049
Landing Gear — Nose and Main Landing Gear Main Fittings and Main Landing Gear Sliding Pistons — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0049 is an airworthiness directive addressing the replacement of nose and main landing gear main fittings and main landing gear sliding pistons on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of specified A330 and A340 models. The directive mandates compliance with revised life limits and repair assessments to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new directive introduces revised life limits for certain landing gear parts identified as having been manufactured with improper materials or processes. It requires replacement of affected parts before exceeding these new life limits and reassessment of previously repaired main landing gear sliding pistons. The directive also sets conditions for installation of affected and repaired parts going forward.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to structural fatigue failure and collapse of the landing gear, risking aircraft damage and occupant injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory conformity. It impacts maintenance planning, parts inventory management, and repair procedures for affected Airbus A330 and A340 fleets.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes must replace each affected landing gear part with a serviceable part before exceeding the revised life limits or within three months after 2022-04-04, whichever is later. For aeroplanes with repaired main landing gear sliding pistons, Airbus must be contacted within three months after the effective date for approved instructions, which must then be followed. Installation of affected or repaired parts is permitted only under specified conditions ensuring compliance with the revised life limits.
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