Wings – Front and Rear Spars – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2023-0198, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0262
- Replaces
- 2022-0174R1
- Replaces
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must calculate the FTOG before the next flight after the effective date and continue at intervals not exceeding 30 days until the initial special detailed inspection (SDI) is completed. Inspections of affected wing areas must be performed within specified compliance times based on FTOG and wing box assembly dates, then repeated every 36 months or as per repair instructions. Any detected cracks require contacting Airbus for approved repair instructions and completing repairs before further flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 30 days.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0098R1 is an updated safety directive addressing structural integrity concerns on Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes. It mandates inspections of the wing outer rear spar, outer inner front spar, and outer front spar to detect cracks that could compromise wing strength. This directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers and includes detailed inspection procedures and compliance requirements.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0098R1 revises previous directives by correcting definitions, adding missing references, and removing outdated credit provisions. It introduces the calculation of Factored Time On Ground (FTOG) as a new compliance criterion for inspection thresholds, replacing the previous wing age-only criteria. The directive also updates compliance times for initial inspections based on FTOG and wing box assembly dates.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures early detection and correction of wing spar cracks, preventing potential structural failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must adapt inspection schedules to incorporate FTOG calculations, which reflect environmental exposure and storage conditions. Compliance with these updated requirements is essential to maintain airworthiness and regulatory approval for Airbus A380 fleets.
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