EASA AD 2023-0173
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2024-0165
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0173 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A310 series aeroplanes, including models A310-203, A310-204, A310-221, A310-222, A310-203C, A310-304, A310-308, A310-322, A310-324, and A310-325. This directive mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations related to safe life airworthiness limitation items as specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 1 SL-ALI Revision 02 Variation 2.2. It aims to ensure continued airworthiness by enforcing replacement of life-limited parts and updating maintenance programs.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0173 introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits for components on Airbus A310 aircraft as defined in the latest Variation 2.2 of the Airworthiness Limitations Section. It requires operators to replace components before exceeding updated life limits and to revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programmes accordingly. This AD does not supersede previous ADs 2017-0204 and 2022-0172 but updates the instructions for certain tasks.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it mandates adherence to updated safety limitations that prevent unsafe conditions caused by component failures. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and regulatory approval. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties, impacting operational safety and aircraft availability.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A310 models must replace life-limited components before exceeding the new limits specified in Variation 2.2 starting from 4 October 2023. They must also revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programmes within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the updated limitations. Compliance with these requirements ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity.
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