EASA AD 2023-0051
Doors — Main Landing Gear Doors / Axis Index Washer — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0051 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 aeroplanes. It mandates inspection of the axis index washers on the main landing gear doors to ensure correct installation. The directive addresses a potential safety issue related to inverted washers that could compromise the structural integrity of the landing gear door hinges.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time detailed inspection requirement for the axis index washers on the right-hand and left-hand main landing gear door hinges of Airbus A350-941 aircraft. It also requires replacement of any incorrectly installed washers within specified flight cycle or flight hour limits. The directive is based on findings of inverted washers during production and includes instructions from Airbus Service Bulletin A350-52-P048.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the main landing gear door hinges, preventing possible in-flight loss of a landing gear door which could cause injury on the ground. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and corrective actions to comply with safety regulations and avoid operational disruptions. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A350-941 aeroplanes must perform a detailed inspection of the axis index washers on the main landing gear doors within the specified flight cycles or flight hours depending on the aircraft group. If any washers are found incorrectly installed, they must be replaced within 500 flight cycles or 3,500 flight hours after the inspection. Compliance must be achieved by the effective date of 24 March 2023.
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