EASA AD 2024-0188
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2025-0093
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0188 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes. It addresses potential mechanical noise and structural issues related to the nose landing gear shock absorber, specifically parts with Part Numbers 6406Axxxx and 4816Axxxx. The directive mandates repetitive functional steering checks to detect and correct increased friction and possible corrosion that could lead to nose landing gear failure.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive steering checks of the nose landing gear shock absorber on affected Airbus A350 models. It requires operators to perform these checks before certain flight cycle thresholds or within specified months after the effective date, and to carry out corrective actions if discrepancies are found. The directive also updates compliance instructions to reference Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A32P031-24 Revision 03.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk that could lead to nose landing gear structural failure and potential collapse during ground operations. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to prevent damage to the aircraft and injury to occupants. The directive also impacts maintenance planning and reporting requirements, emphasizing the need for timely inspections and corrective actions.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus A350-941 and A350-1041 aeroplanes must perform an initial steering check of the nose landing gear shock absorber before exceeding 250 or 1000 flight cycles depending on the part number, or within 2 to 17 months after 4 October 2024, the effective date. Repetitive checks must continue at intervals specified in the directive. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight, and inspection results reported to Airbus within 30 days. Installation of affected parts requires a steering check before the next flight.