EASA AD 2023-0067
Fuselage — Butt Strap Skin Panels — Inspection / Repair
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0067 is an airworthiness directive issued by EASA concerning Airbus A380-841 and A380-861 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. It addresses inspection and repair requirements for the butt strap skin panels at the orbital junction of Frame 22 and Stringer 33 on the left-hand side of the fuselage. The directive mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure structural integrity of the affected area.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the affected butt strap skin panels and, depending on findings, repetitive special detailed inspections and repairs. It addresses a manufacturing deviation where milled steps at the butt strap do not match the skin panel steps, causing wedge-shaped gaps. The directive also provides instructions for corrective repairs and terminating actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A380 aircraft, preventing potential safety risks due to manufacturing deviations. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and repairs to avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance with this directive ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A380 aircraft must perform an inspection of the butt strap skin panels before exceeding 9,400 flight cycles since the aircraft's date of manufacture. If dents are found, special detailed inspections must be conducted before the next flight and repeated every 5,800 flight cycles. Any cracks found during inspections require immediate repair before further flight. Repairs serve as terminating action for repetitive inspections.
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