EASA AD 2024-0147R1
Fuselage — Centre Fuselage Forward Pressure Bulkhead — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0147R1 is an updated regulatory requirement addressing inspection and reinforcement of the centre fuselage forward pressure bulkhead on Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 aircraft. It mandates repetitive inspections for fatigue damage at frame 35 (or 35.8 for A321) and requires modification to reinforce the bulkhead to ensure structural integrity. This directive applies to all serial numbers except those with specific Airbus modifications embodied in production or service.
What Changed
This revision clarifies compliance times for inspections and retains the requirements of the previous AD 2024-0147. It continues to require repetitive inspections and corrective actions pending modification and updates inspection thresholds and instructions based on operator feedback. The AD also supersedes the earlier AD 2014-0209 and incorporates new service bulletin references for inspection and modification.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for maintaining the structural safety of affected Airbus aircraft by preventing fatigue-related cracks in the forward pressure bulkhead, which could compromise airframe integrity. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid unsafe conditions and ensure continued airworthiness. Clear compliance timelines and inspection procedures help streamline maintenance planning and regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the forward pressure bulkhead at specified intervals not exceeding 15,000 flight cycles or 30,000 flight hours, depending on aircraft status and previous inspections. Any detected discrepancies require immediate corrective action per Airbus-approved instructions. The reinforcement modification must be completed before the aircraft exceeds 48,000 flight cycles or 96,000 flight hours to terminate repetitive inspections.