EASA AD 2024-0187
Doors — Overwing Exit Door Latch Bracket Bushes — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0187 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the overwing exit door latch bracket bushes on Airbus A321-251NX, A321-252NX, A321-253NX, A321-271NX, and A321-272NX aeroplanes. The directive mandates repetitive detailed inspections and corrective modifications to prevent potential structural integrity issues caused by bush migration on the latch shaft of the emergency overwing exit door. It applies to specific bracket assembly latch and door assembly overwing part numbers identified by Airbus.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0187 introduces new inspection and modification requirements for affected overwing exit door latch bracket bushes on certain Airbus A321neo models. It requires operators to perform repetitive detailed inspections at intervals not exceeding 11,000 flight cycles and mandates corrective modifications if discrepancies are found. This directive also prohibits installation of affected parts on aircraft after modification or from the effective date for unaffected aircraft.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the overwing exit doors on affected Airbus A321neo aircraft. Failure to detect and correct bush migration could reduce the fatigue life of the door's lower beam, potentially compromising aircraft safety. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections and modifications to meet regulatory requirements and avoid grounding or operational restrictions.
What To Do
Operators of affected Airbus A321neo aircraft must perform detailed inspections of the overwing exit door latch bracket bushes before exceeding 11,000 flight cycles since first flight and repeat these inspections every 11,000 flight cycles thereafter. If any discrepancies are found, corrective modifications must be completed before the next 11,000 flight cycle threshold. Installation of affected parts is prohibited after modification or from the effective date for unaffected aircraft. Compliance must begin by 9 October 2024.