EASA AD 2022-0189
Wings — Inboard Flap Parts — Identification / Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0189 is an airworthiness directive addressing the identification and inspection of inboard flap parts on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It applies to multiple Airbus A330 and A340 variants, including the A330-743L model, focusing on detecting non-conforming aluminium alloy parts used in the inboard flaps. The directive mandates inspections and potential replacements to ensure structural integrity.
What Changed
EASA AD 2022-0189 supersedes AD 2016-0231 and expands the applicability to include Airbus A330-743L aeroplanes, which may have received affected inboard flaps as spare parts. It also tightens installation rules by allowing only inspected and confirmed conforming inboard flaps to be installed. The directive retains previous inspection and replacement requirements but updates compliance timelines and inspection procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential structural integrity risk due to non-conforming materials in inboard flap parts. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid operating aircraft with unsafe components, thereby maintaining airworthiness and regulatory compliance. The directive also affects parts management and installation practices, impacting maintenance planning and inventory control.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 models must inspect inboard flaps to identify affected serial numbers within specified timeframes—24 months after May 11, 2016, for Group 1 aeroplanes and within 3 months after October 3, 2022, for Group 2 aeroplanes (A330-743L). A special detailed inspection must be performed within 6 years after May 11, 2016, or 12 years after first operation for Group 1, and within 3 months for Group 2. If non-conforming parts are found, replacement must be done within 30 days following Airbus-approved instructions. Installation of affected flaps is only allowed if inspected and confirmed conforming.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.