EASA AD 2022-0190
Nacelles / Pylons — Lower Aft Pylon Fairings — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0190 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the lower aft pylon fairings (LAPF) on Airbus A330-223, A330-321, A330-322, and A330-323 aeroplanes. It mandates repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracks that could compromise fire proofness in the event of an engine fire. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers except those with specific Airbus modifications or service bulletins already embodied.
What Changed
This directive supersedes the previous DGAC France AD F-2004-028R2 and retains its inspection requirements while referencing additional optional terminating action modifications. It introduces updated inspection instructions and allows for newer Airbus service bulletins as acceptable terminating actions to end repetitive inspections. The directive also clarifies corrective actions based on crack size and inspection intervals.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the structural integrity and fire safety of the lower aft pylon fairings on affected Airbus A330 models. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential unsafe conditions that could lead to compromised fire protection. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory adherence, reducing risk of in-service failures and grounding.
What To Do
Operators must inspect each LAPF firewall within 3,000 flight hours after first installation or within 500 flight hours after 28 February 2004, whichever is later, and then every 1,000 flight hours. If cracks are found, specific stopdrilling, sealing, and repair actions must be taken within prescribed flight hour limits. Alternatively, operators may perform modifications as per Airbus Service Bulletins A330-54-3022 or A330-54-3050 to terminate repetitive inspections. The effective date for compliance is 28 September 2022.
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