EASA AD 2023-0043
Fire Protection — Fire Extinguishers — Pressure Check
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0043 is an airworthiness directive addressing fire extinguisher pressure checks on Airbus A380-841 and A380-842 aeroplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 900 engines. It targets specific Meggitt fire extinguishers with certain part and serial numbers that may have been incorrectly overhauled or maintained. The directive mandates pressure verification to ensure proper fire suppression capability.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time pressure check requirement for affected Meggitt fire extinguishers installed on Airbus A380 aircraft. It also requires removal and corrective action for any fire extinguisher failing the pressure check. Additionally, it allows installation of affected parts only if they have passed the pressure check according to the specified service information letter.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because incorrect nitrogen pressure in fire extinguishers can reduce fire suppression effectiveness and potentially lead to uncontrolled engine fires. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and airworthiness. Failure to comply could result in operational restrictions or safety risks during flight.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A380-841 and A380-842 aircraft must perform a pressure check on all affected Meggitt fire extinguishers within three months for parts listed in the service information letter and within six months for other affected parts, starting from 14 March 2023. Any extinguisher failing the pressure check must be removed from service and corrected before further flight. Installation of affected parts is only permitted after passing the pressure check.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.