EASA AD 2022-0119
Air Conditioning — Forward Cargo Compartment Bracket Surface Protection — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0119 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses the need for surface protection modification on specific aluminium brackets in the forward cargo compartment to prevent potential ducting rupture affecting cockpit air distribution. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers except those with certain Airbus production modifications already embodied.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0119 introduces a mandatory modification requiring the application of surface protection on affected aluminium brackets installed on titanium or CFRP struts in the forward cargo compartment. It mandates compliance with updated Airbus service bulletins and modifications, including mod 116392 and mod 116393, to correct missing surface protection. The directive also prohibits the use of original issue service bulletins SB A350-21-P031 and SB A350-21-P032 for certain aeroplanes.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to ducting rupture and reduced cockpit air distribution efficiency, potentially impairing flight crew capability during smoke events. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could result in operational restrictions or safety hazards during flight.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must apply the required surface protection modification before reaching specified compliance times: Group 1 aeroplanes must comply before 78 months from manufacture date, and Group 2 aeroplanes before 72 months after embodiment of earlier service bulletins. Group 3 aeroplanes must avoid using original issue service bulletins SB A350-21-P031 or SB A350-21-P032. Compliance must follow the instructions in Airbus service bulletin A350-21-P044 and revised SBs A350-21-P031 and A350-21-P032.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.