EASA AD 2022-0243
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0136
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0243 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It addresses the inspection and potential replacement of certain Overheat Detection System (OHDS) sensing elements produced before 31 January 2021 that may fail to detect thermal bleed leak events. The directive applies to multiple Airbus A330 and A340 models across all manufacturer serial numbers.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0243 introduces a one-time special detailed inspection of affected OHDS sensing elements installed at specific positions on Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft. It requires replacement of any sensing element found with discrepancies and prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date. This AD is a new regulation addressing a manufacturing quality issue identified by the part manufacturer Kidde Aerospace & Defense.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected thermal bleed leaks could lead to localized high temperatures, potentially compromising the structural integrity of affected aircraft. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. Compliance teams need to track affected aircraft and parts to avoid installation of non-serviceable components and prevent unsafe conditions during flight.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes must perform a special detailed inspection of each affected OHDS sensing element within 72 months from 22 December 2022. Any sensing element showing discrepancies must be replaced before the next flight. From the effective date, no affected parts may be installed on any aircraft at affected positions.
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