Fuselage — Rear Fuselage — Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A330-223F and A330-243F aeroplanes must modify the rear fuselage circumferential joint at Frame 58 in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin SB A330-53-3309. The modification must be completed before exceeding 20,200 flight cycles or 60,700 flight hours, but not before reaching 12,400 flight cycles or 37,200 flight hours since the first flight. If any discrepancies are found during inspections, operators must contact Airbus for approved repair instructions and comply before the next flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0053 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330-223F and A330-243F aeroplanes. It addresses a structural modification to the rear fuselage, specifically the circumferential joint at Frame 58, to prevent widespread fatigue damage. The directive mandates reinforcement of this area to maintain the structural integrity of the affected aircraft models.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory modification to the rear fuselage of Airbus A330-223F and A330-243F aircraft. It requires operators to perform reinforcement work as detailed in Airbus Service Bulletin SB A330-53-3309, including inspections and corrective actions if discrepancies are found. The directive establishes specific flight cycle and flight hour limits within which the modification must be completed.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition related to widespread fatigue damage that could compromise aircraft structural integrity. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to avoid the risk of undetected cracks that could lead to structural failure. Compliance with this AD is essential for continued airworthiness and regulatory approval to operate the affected aircraft.
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