EASA AD 2023-0215
[Correction] Aircraft Flight Manual — Auto Flight System Control Panel ALT Outer Knob Use — Amendment / Auto Flight — Flight Control Unit — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0215 is a regulatory update affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses issues with the Auto Flight System Control Panel ALT Outer Knob and Flight Control Unit (FCU) modifications related to altitude target errors. The directive mandates amendments to the Aircraft Flight Manual and replacement of certain FCUs to ensure safe operation.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2021-0260 and expands the requirement to incorporate a temporary revision to the Aircraft Flight Manual for all affected Airbus A350 aeroplanes, including those with serviceable FCUs. It also retains the requirement to replace affected FCUs with serviceable units and corrects an editorial error from the previous AD. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected FCUs on any aeroplane after specified dates.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk where faulty ALT knobs on the FCU can cause uncommanded altitude changes, potentially leading to unsafe flight trajectories. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to prevent altitude deviations that could compromise flight safety. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity for Airbus A350 operators.
What To Do
Operators must amend the applicable Aircraft Flight Manual by incorporating the Airbus A350 AFM Temporary Revision 121 within three months of the effective date for Group 2 aeroplanes and within three months after 2 December 2021 for Group 1 aeroplanes. Group 1 aeroplanes must replace affected FCUs with serviceable FCUs within 25 months after 2 December 2021. Installation of affected FCUs is prohibited after these compliance actions. Flight crews must be informed of the changes and operate accordingly.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.