EASA AD 2024-0016
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0169
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0016 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It addresses modifications to the Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA) and the installation of an Electric Load Sensing Device (ELSD) to improve safety monitoring of the actuator's secondary load path. This directive applies to various Airbus A330 and A340 models with specific manufacturer serial numbers.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0016 supersedes the previous AD 2022-0039 and updates the modification requirements by referring to revised Airbus Service Bulletins (SB1b and SB2). It introduces additional work for certain aeroplanes that were modified under the earlier SB1a, ensuring proper installation and activation of the ELSD wiring provisions. The directive extends the compliance scope and clarifies instructions for affected aircraft groups.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition where the secondary load path of the THSA may engage without proper stall indication, risking mechanical disconnection and loss of aircraft control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and flight safety. The updated requirements help prevent undetected actuator failures and improve monitoring systems on affected Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes must install the ELSD wiring and activate the device according to the revised service bulletins within 48 months after 22 March 2022. For aircraft previously modified under the original SB1a, additional corrective work as specified in SB1b must also be completed within the same timeframe. Compliance with these modifications is mandatory to maintain airworthiness and operational approval.
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