Wings – Wing Front and Rear Spars – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2024-0191, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2023-0098R1
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus A380 aeroplanes must perform special detailed inspections of affected wing spars within specified compliance times based on SFTOG and wing box assembly dates, then repeat inspections every 36 months for unrepaired areas. Any detected cracks must be repaired following Airbus-approved instructions before further flight. Inspection results must be reported to Airbus within 30 days after each inspection. Compliance begins from 1 December 2023.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0198 is issued for Airbus A380-841, A380-842, and A380-861 aeroplanes to mandate inspections of wing front and rear spars due to reported cracks. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers and focuses on specific wing spar areas to ensure structural integrity. It requires special detailed inspections using ultrasonic testing methods following Airbus service bulletins and alert operator transmissions.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2023-0098R1 and introduces a new criterion based on Storage Factored Time On Ground (SFTOG) to determine inspection thresholds. It retains previous inspection requirements but adjusts compliance times and intervals based on updated analysis of crack severity related to storage conditions. The directive also mandates reporting of inspection results to Airbus within 30 days.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural safety concern that could compromise wing integrity if undetected. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential in-service failures and ensure continued airworthiness. The updated inspection criteria based on storage time require careful tracking and calculation to meet compliance and avoid operational disruptions.
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