EASA AD 2024-0157
Flight Controls — Outer Aileron — Master Minimum Equipment List Restriction / Landing Gear — Remote Brake Control Unit / Main Wheel Tie Bolt / Steering Control — Master Minimum Equipment List Restriction
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0157 is issued for Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes, addressing updates to the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) related to flight controls, landing gear, and steering control systems. This directive mandates revisions to specific MMEL items to ensure compliance with certification requirements and maintain airworthiness. The affected components include the outer aileron actuators and pressure sensors, remote brake control unit, main wheel tie bolt, and steering control.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0157 introduces updated MMEL items for Airbus A350 aircraft to correct non-compliance with MMEL certification standards. It requires operators to implement these MMEL updates, which include revised restrictions and dispatch conditions for the outer aileron hydraulic actuators, remote brake control unit, steering control, and main wheel tie bolt. This is a new directive and does not supersede any previous ADs.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it ensures that the Airbus A350 fleet operates with MMEL items that meet certification requirements, thereby maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their Minimum Equipment Lists and operational procedures accordingly to avoid unsafe conditions. Compliance with this AD helps prevent potential flight control and landing gear system issues that could impact aircraft safety.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must implement the updated MMEL items within six months from the effective date of 28 August 2024. This includes amending the operator’s Minimum Equipment List, informing all flight crews of the changes, and operating the aircraft in accordance with the revised MMEL restrictions. Alternative methods of compliance may be approved by EASA if properly substantiated.