EASA AD 2024-0143
Stabilizers — Maintenance Instructions — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0143 is an amendment addressing maintenance instructions for stabilizers on Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes. It applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of specified A330 and A340 models. The directive prohibits the use of certain maintenance manual instructions that incorrectly recommend oxygen for pressure testing, which could lead to safety hazards.
What Changed
This directive prohibits performing the Airbus A330/A340 Aircraft Maintenance Manual task 55-11-14-400-801-A as currently published because it incorrectly allows the use of oxygen instead of nitrogen for pressure testing. Airbus has issued temporary revisions with corrected instructions, and future AMM revisions will incorporate these changes. The directive requires operators to follow the updated AMM temporary revisions or future AMM revisions that include the corrected procedures.
Why It Matters
This amendment is critical for aviation professionals because using oxygen instead of nitrogen during pressure testing can cause uncontrolled fires, risking aircraft loss and personnel injury. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent hazardous maintenance practices. It also affects continuing airworthiness obligations and operational approval for affected aircraft.
What To Do
From 26 July 2024, operators and maintenance providers must not perform the specified AMM task using the current instructions that allow oxygen for pressure testing. Instead, they must use the Airbus AMM temporary revisions dated July 2024 or later AMM revisions that incorporate these corrections. Compliance with this directive is mandatory to continue operating the affected Airbus A330 and A340 aeroplanes.