EASA AD 2023-0012: Placards and Markings — Warning Labels — Inspection

What to do

Operators of affected Airbus A330-202 and A330-243 aeroplanes must inspect the left wing surge tank lower surface within two months of 31 January 2023, following the instructions in Airbus AOT A11L001-22. If any warning placards are missing, they must be installed before the next flight. Compliance with these actions is mandatory to continue operating the affected aircraft.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0012 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330-202 and A330-243 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. The directive addresses missing warning labels on the left wing surge tank lower surface, which are critical for alerting maintenance and cargo personnel to the risk of asphyxiation due to nitrogen enriched air. This AD mandates inspection and installation of the missing placards to ensure continued airworthiness and safety.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0012 introduces a new requirement to inspect the left wing surge tank lower surface for missing warning labels part number D11213133200 and to install any missing placards. This is a new directive rather than an amendment and does not supersede any previous ADs. It is based on Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A11L001-22 issued in December 2022.

Why it matters

This directive is important for aviation professionals because missing warning labels pose a safety hazard by potentially exposing maintenance and cargo personnel to nitrogen enriched air, which can cause asphyxiation. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid safety risks and regulatory violations. The directive ensures that aircraft remain compliant with continuing airworthiness requirements under EU regulations.

What to do

Summary

What changed

Why it matters

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