EASA AD 2022-0197
Fuel — Fuel Pump — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0197 is an official regulatory document addressing inspection and modification requirements for fuel pumps installed on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It specifically targets fuel pumps with part numbers 568-1-28300-101, 568-1-28300-103, and 568-1-28300-200, installed at designated locations on these aircraft models. The directive aims to ensure continued airworthiness by mandating inspections and replacements to prevent fuel pump erosion that could lead to fuel tank ignition.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2020-0283 and retains its requirements while introducing additional mandates to replace affected fuel pumps with non-affected pumps, except for certain pumps installed at specific locations. It updates inspection intervals and compliance times based on erosion severity and flight cycles, reflecting new data and improved erosion-resistant pump designs.
Why It Matters
The directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition where fuel pump erosion could cause fuel tank explosions, posing serious safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure regulatory compliance. The updated requirements help mitigate risks by enforcing timely inspections and corrective actions, thereby enhancing aircraft safety and reliability.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft must inspect fuel pumps at specified locations within defined compliance times, following Airbus Alert Operators Transmission and Service Bulletin instructions. Repetitive inspections are required at intervals depending on erosion findings, and any pumps showing severe erosion must be replaced or deactivated before further flight. Compliance deadlines vary by pump location and erosion severity, with initial inspections required as early as within 30 days after 31 December 2020 for certain parts.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.