EASA AD 2024-0095
Fuselage — Bulk Cargo Door Frames — Inspection / Repair
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0095 is issued for Airbus A330-202, A330-203, and A330-243 aircraft modified with specific EASA Supplemental Type Certificates related to MRTT and FSTA configurations. The directive addresses inspection and repair requirements for bulk cargo door frames, specifically focusing on potential fatigue cracks in door fitting attachment holes due to certain surface treatments. It mandates inspections and corrective actions to ensure continued airworthiness of affected aircraft.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces updated inspection requirements and intervals tailored for Airbus A330 MRTT and FSTA converted aircraft, adapting previous inspection thresholds and methods to these specific configurations. It requires a one-time roto test or alternative detailed inspections, followed by repetitive inspections with more stringent thresholds and intervals than prior directives. The directive also provides credit for inspections performed under earlier related service bulletins.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a fatigue-related safety risk that could lead to in-flight loss of a bulk cargo door and subsequent decompression. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent undetected structural cracks, ensuring aircraft structural integrity and flight safety. Compliance with the directive helps avoid potential operational disruptions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform the required roto test or alternative inspections within specified flight cycle or flight hour thresholds depending on aircraft configuration, with the earliest compliance deadline before exceeding 2,318 flight cycles since embodiment of a prior service bulletin or within 72 flight cycles after 10 November 2021 for some configurations. Repetitive inspections must continue at intervals defined by the directive, and any discrepancies found must be corrected following the service bulletin instructions. Installation of new bushes on latch fittings is also mandated if no discrepancies are found during inspections.
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