EASA AD 2024-0145
Wings — Main Landing Gear Support Rib 5 — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0145 is an airworthiness directive affecting Airbus A300, A300-600, and A300-600ST aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. It mandates inspections of the main landing gear support Rib 5 lower flange for cracks, focusing on parts except those with certain part numbers. This directive updates previous requirements to include additional aircraft groups and inspection procedures.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0145 supersedes AD 2021-0190 and expands the applicability to include Group 2 aeroplanes previously excluded. It requires a one-time detailed inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection of the affected area before the next flight for Group 2 aircraft, while retaining previous inspection requirements for Group 1. The directive also extends the effectivity of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57W017-21 to these additional aircraft.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Airbus A300 series aircraft by detecting and addressing cracks in the main landing gear support Rib 5. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections to prevent potential safety risks. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions affecting aircraft airworthiness and operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A300, A300-600, and A300-600ST aeroplanes must perform a one-time detailed inspection of the main landing gear support Rib 5 lower flange within specified compliance times: within 400 flight cycles or 4 months after 31 August 2021 for Group 1, and before the next flight after 6 August 2024 for Group 2. If no cracks are found, a fluorescent penetrant inspection around fastener holes must be done before the next flight. Any detected cracks require contacting Airbus for approved corrective instructions and implementing them before further flight.