EASA AD 2024-0086
Fuselage — Rear Fuselage — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0086 is issued for Airbus A330-243 aircraft modified with EASA Supplemental Type Certificates 10064192, 10064600, or 10069256, specifically those converted to the MRTT configuration by Airbus Defence and Space S.A. This directive addresses a structural integrity issue in the rear fuselage at circumferential joint Frame 58 due to incomplete cold working during production. The AD mandates modification of the stringer couplings to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential catastrophic failure.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0086 introduces more stringent compliance times for the modification of the rear fuselage stringer couplings on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft compared to the previous AD 2023-0054. It requires reworking the cold working process on the circumferential joint at Frame 58 following Airbus Defence and Space Service Bulletin A330MRTT-53-0050, which adapts the compliance schedule specifically for MRTT conversions. This AD does not supersede any previous AD but provides an updated compliance framework for this subset of aircraft.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals as it ensures the structural integrity of the rear fuselage on Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft, preventing potential catastrophic failure. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated modification requirements within the specified flight cycles or flight hours to maintain airworthiness. Compliance teams need to track aircraft usage carefully to meet the new, more stringent deadlines and avoid regulatory violations.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A330-243 MRTT aircraft must perform the required modification by reworking the stringer couplings at the circumferential joint at Frame 58 before exceeding 12,350 flight cycles or 30,870 flight hours, but not before 6,500 flight cycles since the aircraft's date of manufacture. Inspections must be conducted as part of the modification, and any discrepancies found require contacting Airbus Defence and Space for approved corrective instructions before further flight. Compliance with this AD also satisfies the requirements of EASA AD 2023-0054 for these aircraft.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.