Wings — Centre Wing Box Fasteners — Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0080
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must replace the specified centre wing box fasteners and apply additional head nut cap protection within 69 months after 23 May 2022. Maintenance teams should follow the instructions in Airbus Service Bulletin A350-57-P069 Revision 01. Alternative methods of compliance may be requested and approved by EASA if substantiated.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0161 is issued for Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes with specific manufacturer serial numbers. It mandates the replacement of centre wing box fasteners and the application of additional head nut cap protection at the front and rear spar areas. This directive ensures continued airworthiness by addressing a potential unsafe condition related to fastener rotation and clamping loss.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0161 supersedes AD 2022-0080 and expands the applicability to include additional Airbus A350 manufacturer serial numbers affected by the unsafe condition. It retains the original replacement requirements and updates the Airbus Service Bulletin to Revision 01. The directive extends the scope of aircraft requiring the replacement of affected fasteners and protective measures.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to fuel tank explosions due to fastener failure in the centre wing box. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential structural damage and ensure the aircraft's safe operation. Compliance with this AD is mandatory to maintain the aircraft's airworthiness certificate.
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